WE’RE 10 OUT OF TEN
Red Devils boss Erik: United are still big draw for world-class stars ... but we have lots here already!
ERIK TEN HAG insists Manchester United can still attract world-class players — and that he already has plenty of them at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag goes into his first Manchester derby having to come up with a plan to stop Erling Haaland after the free-scoring Norwegian striker claimed during the week that joining United never even came into his thinking when he left Borussia Dortmund this summer.
But Ten Hag has hit back by telling the 14-goal City talisman that he will be playing against world
champions as well as Champions League winners when his United side travel to the Etihad.
Asked how United can attract top players to the red side of Manchester, Ten Hag said: “We have them already in. Let’s say some have the potential to become the best in the world and some are already there. “We have world champion players in our squad – so they are the best in the world. You can say that. “We have a lot of players who have already won the biggest titles in the world. “I’m sure also when I look back at the transfer window that I was in contact with a lot of players who feel Man United is a really attractive club for them. “So I’m not concerned about that point.” City have won five titles in the nine years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired. And capturing Haaland has made facing Pep Guardiola’s side even more daunting. But Ten Hag feels his players must concentrate on their own qualities rather than concern themselves too much with the champions. He said: “I like Haaland’s attitude and how he is on the pitch. He is direct. His life is about goals – and he goes directly toward the opponent.
“He can also create – but, once again, I respect him.
“But we are not playing against Haaland, we are playing against Man City – and it is not about Man City.
“For us, I respect the opponent – but it is about Man Utd.
“We want to play our game, with our principles and our rules.”
Ten Hag admitted, however, that he will be asking Jadon Sancho for information about his time playing alongside Haaland at Dortmund.
The Dutchman also believes he has the inside track on Guardiola having been reserve-team coach at Bayern Munich when the City boss was in charge of the German club.
Ten Hag said: “Of course, you talk with your players.
“When someone has played in the past with a particular opponent, you ask him. They can give more details.
“But it is also our job to look at them in advance. If an individual makes a huge difference.
“Of course, I also know Pep – but then we know everything about each other. “Is he best manager in the world? “He’s definitely one of them – and, for me, he is, yes.”