‘It’s not the way YOU want to play’: Erik ten Hag tells Robin van Persie the Man United players are the ones dictating his philosophy when the former striker returns to Carrington… despite admitting he prefers football ‘attacking and proactive’
- Ten Hag has enjoyed an impressive debut campaign as United manager so far.
- Under his stewardship, the club claimed its first trophy since 2017 last month.
- But he admits that his current philosophy depends on the players at his disposal.
Erik ten Hag admits that Manchester United’s players dictate his tactical philosophy at the club, despite confessing that he prefers to play ‘attacking and proactive’ football.
Ten Hag has enjoyed an impressive first season as United manager, with his team in a strong position to secure a third-place finish in the Premier League and the Champions League qualification that goes with it.
He also guided the Red Devils to their first piece of silverware since 2017 last month, when they beat Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
During that final, Ten Hag’s men enjoyed just 38 per cent possession of the ball as they leaned back and frustrated Newcastle, who failed to break through their resilient defense on the day.
Not many expected such a pragmatic strategy from the former Ajax boss when he arrived at Old Trafford, but Ten Hag claims that teams must “attack with 11 players and defend with 11 players” in today’s game.
Erik ten Hag admits Manchester United players dictate his tactical philosophy at the club
Ten Hag spoke about his preference for attacking football in a conversation with Robin van Persie (L)
“Of course I have a certain philosophy about how I want to see football,” Ten Hag told former United striker Robin Van Persie in a interview for BT Sport. ‘And one thing is that I want to play attacking, I want to play proactive.
“It’s not about the way you want to play, it’s about the players: they decide and dictate the philosophy of how you play.” You definitely have to adapt.
But, for example, for me, football is now attacking with 11 players and defending with 11 players. So if you ask me about the wings, sometimes you find them in positions you don’t expect. That’s what I like, I’m looking for that kind of player.”
Van Persie also asked Ten Hag about the influence of Sir Alex Ferguson (L)
Van Persie sat down with Ten Hag on his return to Carrington, where he spent three years after leaving Arsenal to join United in 2012.
The Dutchman almost single-handedly delivered Sir Alex Ferguson’s last Premier League title in his first season, scoring 26 goals in 38 games to help the legendary Scot finish on a high.
He went on to ask Ten Hag about the influence Ferguson still has at United, with his compatriot revealing that he enjoys regular conversations with him.
“Every day he’s here and you feel like… I think he brings the winning mentality, but also an eye for creativity,” Ten Hag said.
‘[He] always [had] good forwards, you were one of them, and also great personalities who decided the big games.
“I think he brought this to this club and it’s great to talk to him about it.”
The former United striker sat down with Ten Hag as part of an interview for BT Sport