Scott McTominay is impressed with Erik ten Hag’s vision to rebuild Manchester United as he praises the new boss’ ‘philosophy and style of play’ ahead of Bangkok’s friendly against rivals Liverpool
- Manchester United take on Liverpool in the first pre-season game on Tuesday
- New manager Erik ten Hag conveyed his vision to the players
- Midfielder Scott McTominay was impressed with the Dutchman’s clarity
Scott McTominay has been impressed with the clarity of Erik ten Hag’s playing philosophy as the new Manchester United manager strives to revive the club.
The Scottish midfielder is currently on tour with United in the Far East, with United set to face former rivals Liverpool in a friendly in Bangkok on Tuesday.
A criticism from Ten Hag’s predecessor, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, was that the team lacked a clearly defined style of football.
Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay (centre) was impressed with Erik ten Hag’s clarity of vision in rebuilding the club
There were doubts over McTominay United’s future as they search for another defensive midfielder, but Ten Hag appears to want him as part of his plans
But McTominay, whose regular starting spot in midfield will be at risk if United agree a deal for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, says the players buy into Ten Hag’s vision.
“He has an idea of how he wants to play, and he executes it really, really well in terms of communicating with the players,” McTominay told the United Daily.
‘It’s the same with [assistant coach] Mitchell [van der Gaag]. The philosophy and ideas of the style of play for us [are] clear to see.
“It’s up to us as players to really take the message on board and push with everything we have, all year round.”
New manager Ten Hag spent time on the training ground with his new team in Thailand
With United actively pursuing a new defensive midfielder this summer, 25-year-old McTominay had been linked with a move from Old Trafford, with Newcastle United being one of the clubs interested.
But Ten Hag would have made it clear that McTominay remains important to his plans for the next campaign as he attempts to rebuild a struggling United side into trophy challengers.
Given that Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic left the club in the summer and negotiations over De Jong are moving at a freezing pace, Ten Hag really had no choice.
McTominay added: ‘[You have] this energy from last year. All this energy should now be put into the new.
United are chasing Barcelona and Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer
“As the manager repeated, we are here to work hard. We are not here to sightsee and see all of Thailand.
“It’s time to work and it’s really time to focus for sure.”
United will face Liverpool in front of a sold-out crowd at Rajamangala Stadium before traveling to Australia for a further three friendlies.
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