'Absolutely Right' - Ten Hag Endorses Rangnick's Manchester United Review

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag agrees with former interim boss Ralf Rangnick's evaluation of the club during his tenure. Ten Hag succeeded Rangnick in 2022 after the German managed the team for seven months. Rangnick, who led Austria to the last 16 at Euro 2024, finished sixth with United, recording their worst points total in Premier League history.

Significant changes have occurred off the pitch since Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired a 27.7% stake in Manchester United last December. Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth, Jason Wilcox, and Christopher Vivell have all joined in board-level positions this year. The club has also committed £50 million to improve the training ground.

Ten Hag has praised the new ownership structure for these developments. "It is very good that we are also there on the front foot; we are very proactive," said Ten Hag. "So, (the) leadership is doing a great job at this moment and that's how we want to act as United."

United recently confirmed the arrivals of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro, which Ten Hag attributes to the proactive approach of the new leadership. "We are highly ambitious and you have to be on the front foot and be ready for the season," he stated.

The head coach is expected to return to the transfer market to strengthen his squad further. He has shown interest in Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt. "It remains to be seen whether De Ligt will come," said Ten Hag. "Of course I know Matthijs well; I'm not going to deny that."

Challenges and Achievements

Ten Hag acknowledged Rangnick's comments about needing more than minor fixes at United. "Rangnick was absolutely right," Ten Hag told Dutch newspaper AD Sportwereld. "We have been working very hard on this for two years, but he said it exactly right: it is a thorough, very complex operation."

Despite these challenges, Ten Hag has achieved notable success with United, winning 68 out of his 114 games in charge and securing two trophies in his first two seasons, including a 13th FA Cup back in May.

Defensive Concerns

The defence remains a key focus for Ten Hag after conceding 58 goals last season - their highest in Premier League history. The coach aims to address this issue by potentially signing new defenders like Branthwaite and De Ligt.

"I wanted to sign him two years ago, but he had already gone a long way with Bayern Munich," Ten Hag mentioned regarding De Ligt.

The upcoming season holds promise as Manchester United continues its efforts under new leadership and strategic planning by Erik ten Hag.