“I don’t need the hairdryer!” were the words of Coach Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman claims to be “convinced” he can restore success to Old Trafford. But he would not resort to Sir Alex’s famous hairdryer treatment.
The “hairdryer” was made famous by the most successful manager in Manchester United’s history, Sir Alex Ferguson. Where their manager shouts angrily at them in the dressing room or on the training ground
In regards to his new position as Manchester United manager, Coach Erik ten Hag reveals that he has spoken with Sir Alex Ferguson about managing Manchester United before he accepted the job at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag joined United from Ajax this summer, becoming the fifth permanent manager at Old Trafford since Ferguson retired from United in 2013.
The 52-year-old Dutch coach acknowledged speaking with Ferguson about the position and said, “I had contact with him, but what we spoke about is private. It is always fantastic to talk with Sir Alex about life, but especially about football.”
When the subject of Ferguson’s legendary hairdryer was brought up, he initially seemed perplexed before breaking into a wide grin. But ‘I don’t need the hairdryer!’ Ten Hag replied to the reporter.
Ten Hag is certain that he will be the one to turn United’s fortunes around, even though David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have all failed to match Ferguson’s success over the last nine years.
“I must say I have a strong belief,” he said. “This is a big challenge but, until now, everywhere I’ve been I’ve gotten the maximum out of my teams. I realize that this project is the most difficult. I know it’s not an easy job. But I am here, so I am convinced I can do it.”
Ten Hag was careful not to make any rash predictions about unseating Manchester City or Liverpool when asked about his goals for the inaugural season. But Hag will still not write off Manchester United’s chances of putting up a challenge for the title.
“The first target is to win every game,” Coach Erik ten Hag said. “That has to be our approach. That belongs to Manchester United.”
Ten Hag further added, “We want to play proactive, attacking football where it’s possible. We want to play well, but if we don’t play well, we still have to win. I have a strategy. It’s a process and it takes time. But in the end, we have to make sure from the outset there is a winning team.”
Coach Erik ten Hag does acknowledge that Manchester United, as an elite football team, has majorly underachieved since Sir Alex called time on his illustrious career. The Dutchman is looking to match or even surpass Alex Fergurson’s achievements, which have cemented his stance as a cult hero, as well.
Sir Alex won 38 trophies as the manager of Manchester United, including 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two UEFA Champions League titles. This would prove a hurdle for the new manager, Ten Hag, to surmount, but he sees himself bringing the glory days back to Old Trafford.
🗣 “Pre-season is a new start.”
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) July 18, 2022
Erik ten Hag says everyone at Manchester United has the opportunity to impress him ahead of the new season. pic.twitter.com/sjNGFYpEJX
