Manchester United players think Erik ten Hag is a ‘decent person’ who is also a ‘leader at the helm’, according to reports. The Dutchman has helped the Red Devils bounce back from a difficult start to the campaign to rise up the Premier League table. And victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday will boost their chances of a first league triumph since 2013, when Sir Alex Ferguson was manager.
Manchester United appointed Ten Hag as their new manager back in the summer, choosing the 52-year-old over the likes of Mauricio Pochettino, Julen Lopetegui and Luis Enrique.
His reign started difficulty, with the Red Devils outplayed in defeats to Brighton and Brentford.
However, United have responded in the best way possibly by winning five of their last six matches across all competitions to soar up the table.
Ten Hag was being tipped for the sack after his first two games in the dugout but his team finally appear to be making progress, while victory over City would see them rise to fourth in the standings.
And The Telegraph say United players see the Dutchman as a ‘decent person’ who is also unforgiving when it comes to things such as lateness and unprofessionalism.
A source close to the dressing room is quoted as saying: “The manager is seen as a genuine and fundamentally decent person but he’s tough, serious, driven, detail-oriented and unforgiving of unprofessionalism, sloppiness or lack of effort.
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And members of the squad are responding in all the right ways, too.
Lisandro Martinez is said to be ‘very vocal and positive’ with the Argentina international involving himself with other age groups as he adjusts to life at his new side.
Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Raphael Varane all form part of a leadership group, while Tyrell Malacia is one of the last to leave training.
And Bruno Fernandes and Tom Heaton are reportedly seen as ‘ two of the most emotionally intelligent and balanced individuals in the squad’ as well.
The duo are ready to back Ten Hag when required or even tell the manager when they think he’s got something wrong.
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Whether United can continue their resurgence against City, who are unbeaten in the top flight this term, remains to be seen.
Yet Ten Hag is aware the match at the Etihad won’t be straightforward, insisting they’re facing the ‘best team in the league’.
“A lot. It’s another test, it’s good to compete with the best team in the league in this moment and we are really looking forward [to it] because we are in the right direction,” he said.
“We have belief but now, on Sunday, something is coming to us that we really like, that we’re really looking forward to, it gives us a lot of energy and we want to challenge them.”
On Pep Guardiola, who he worked with at Bayern Munich, he said: “Yeah, we met several times and I think it’s clear, I really admire his work.
“Attacking football, I think it gives a lot to football, the way he wants to play football and he’s successful with it, so that what I admire from him.
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“I got the opportunity to have a look inside his work, so I am really grateful for that.
“I admire him, as a person, we have a good relationship. I like him, the way he is. He is really good, I feel really good, but on Sunday, we battle each other!”
And, when quizzed on Erling Haaland, he responded by saying: “As you say, many good players, it’s not only one player.
“We have to do the things right, we have to play as a team.
“In possession, it’s really important against them to be brave and get the right positions, but also out of possession, that’s clear.
“But [we want] the right organisation and intensity.”
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