Ten Hag optimistic after preparation: ‘Manchester United ready for season’ | NOW

Erik ten Hag looks back on the preparation of Manchester United with a good feeling. According to the manager of ‘The Red Devils’, his team is ready for the start of the competition. In six days they play against Brighton & Hove Albion.

“We have had an excellent practice campaign, in which we have made good development,” says Ten Hag in front of the camera of Manchester United TV after Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano.

In that game, mainly reserve players came into action, because the English record champion already practiced against Atlético Madrid on Saturday. That match was lost 1-0, but otherwise Manchester United remained unbeaten in the preparation.

However, Ten Hag knows that his team still has many steps to take. “There is certainly room for improvement. That will have to be. Fortunately, that is also possible during the season.”

Lisandro Martínez, who had come over from Ajax, was kicking off against Rayo Vallecano. The Argentinian made a stable impression in the heart of the defence. “I don’t find that surprising, he formed a good duo with Raphaël Varane. They played very solidly. It is always a question of how quickly new players adapt. I think he will do it quickly with him.”

Ronaldo also started in the base

Cristiano Ronaldo, who only joined last week because he was missing for a few weeks due to family reasons, also started in the starting lineup. The Portuguese only participated in the first 45 minutes.

According to English media, the 37-year-old attacker left the stadium before the end of the game. “Glad to be back,” Ronaldo wrote himself with a photo on Instagram. Reportedly, the superstar wants to leave Manchester United, because the Ten Hag team does not play in the Champions League.

Ten Hag enjoyed his first game at Old Trafford on Sunday. “The reception was fantastic. You felt the vibe in the stadium. Hopefully the interaction between fans and players will lead to good results.”