On Saturday night came the second part of Eric ten Hag’s press conference on Friday, with subjects including Harry Maguire, Facundo Pelistri and Anthony Martial.
However, the first question that arises is about Ten Hag’s start at United, and whether the Dutchman did or said anything specific to taking control of the playing field when he was first appointed – including rumors of a split in the dressing room.
No, it’s practical. You have to establish a culture with standards, values and rules. And so I always believe that partnerships can bring people together. But I can’t say anything specific. A number of criteria are set and a number of decisions are made.
Rose Maguire
Maguire is someone who has lost his place in the starting line-up under Ten Hag, but the coach is anyway satisfied with the captain’s contribution to the club.
Most recently against Real Betis on Thursday, where he got 90 minutes on both legs.
– I’m very happy with Harry’s progress at the moment. He is more dominant and dictating, he takes more initiative on the training pitch and also in the Real Betis game he shows leadership. Especially in the aspects of initiative and dictation of the game.
– You have to lead
Against Real Betis, Facundo Pellestri also had a chance from the start, for the first time in his United career.
It is clear that Ten Hag can break through the United shirt despite the stiff competition.
However, it will require hard work.
– Of course, but you have to deserve it. You have to manage it yourself and we will help it with our way of playing and our culture. Coaches work very hard with him, but at the end of the day, players have to take their chances. He has the qualities to do it, like others who came from youth teams like Garnacho, Kobbie Maiino… Pellistri is also one of them and there are also more who can do it.
– You have to contribute to the team and Manchester United is not a place where we can be impatient to experience one in ten games. You have to lead.
What about Martial?
The person who has performed in the times he has played, but unfortunately has been injured a lot this season, is Anthony Martial.
Ten Hag does not want to talk about whether or not the Frenchman has a longer future at the club.
– I don’t think this is the right time to talk about it. I believe in it. Every time he is available, he makes good contributions to the team’s performance. The team gets better when it’s available. We’re just working on making it decent and available.
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