Erik ten Hag is looking for a ‘direct influence’ from the new young players brought into Manchester United during this ‘transition phase.’

Ancelotti Defends Vinicius Amid Brazil’s Struggles

In a recent press conference, Carlo Ancelotti came to the defense of Vinicius Junior, dismissing claims that the young forward is the root cause of Brazil’s current woes. The Brazilian national team has faced criticism following a series of disappointing performances. However, Ancelotti insists that the blame should not be placed solely on the shoulders of the Real Madrid star.

Ten Hag’s Manchester United in Transition

Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag is navigating a challenging start to the 2024/25 Premier League season with Manchester United. The Red Devils currently find themselves languishing in 14th place after three matches. A crucial fixture against Southampton looms on Saturday, 14 September, which will be broadcast live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Ten Hag is in the midst of a significant overhaul at Old Trafford, with new owners Ineos implementing changes both on and off the pitch. The arrival of fresh talent, including Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, and Joshua Zirkzee—all aged 23 or under—has injected youth into the squad. However, this influx of new players has been countered by a spate of injuries, with key figures like Yoro, Rasmus Hojlund, and Luke Shaw currently sidelined.

Building for the Future

In an exclusive interview with TNT Sports pundit and former United star Rio Ferdinand, Ten Hag acknowledged the challenges of the current situation. “It’s always about results, but we know we have to build again,” he stated. “This team is in a transition period, and we need to improve quickly, but time is not on our side.”

The Dutch manager elaborated on the difficulties posed by injuries, which have forced him to integrate new players into the squad at a rapid pace. “When injuries strike, you have to throw players in immediately,” he explained. “For instance, with Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount both out, we had to rely on Joshua Zirkzee. While this accelerates his adaptation to our principles, it also means he may not yet be fully familiar with our tactical patterns.”

New Coaching Staff Making Their Mark

Ten Hag has also welcomed new first-team coaches, including club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rene Hake, and Andreas Georgson. He praised their contributions thus far, stating, “They have integrated very well into the club and are doing brilliantly. The pre-season was crucial for us to learn about each other, and now that the season has started, they are proving their worth.”

Reflecting on the changes within the coaching staff, Ten Hag noted, “It was a natural process to bring in new coaches at the start of the season. We needed to find the right fit for the team and the club, and I believe we have achieved that.”

A Shift in Recruitment Strategy

Ferdinand raised the point that United’s recruitment strategy appears to have shifted towards younger players, rather than solely focusing on immediate success. Ten Hag responded, “We still aim to win the league, but we also need to think long-term. It’s about finding the right balance between youth and experience.”

He continued, “We have seasoned players like Harry Maguire, Casemiro, and Bruno Fernandes, which provides a solid foundation. The young players we have brought in are not just for the future; they can also make an immediate impact.”

Unlocking Individual Potential

When asked about unlocking the potential of individual players, Ten Hag emphasized the importance of creating the right environment and culture within the team. “It starts at the team level,” he said. “From there, we can focus on how each individual can contribute and improve.”

He also highlighted the dedication of players like Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, noting, “They love football and always want to improve. We have to manage their training to ensure they are ready for match days.”

As Manchester United continues to navigate this transitional phase, Ten Hag’s focus remains on building a squad capable of competing at the highest level while integrating new talent and fostering a winning culture.