A final is special... you feel different from the moment you wake up in the morning
Ten works all around the clock
BY TYRELL MALACIA has revealed that Erik ten Hag is a Manchester United nut who is obsessed with bringing the glory days back to Old Trafford.
Malacia, the Dutch fullback who became Ten Hag’s first signing for the Reds last summer when he joined from Feyenoord, has lifted the lid on how the boss has been working nights as he strains to resurrect a club that has gone six years without a trophy.
“When we have an away match, no matter how many hours it takes to come back to Manchester and we arrive in the middle of the night, everyone goes straight home,” said Malacia.
“Everyone, that is, apart from the manager.
“The gaffer often goes to his office at the club to see the videos of the match we have just played so he can prepare and have his analysis ready for us the next morning at the training ground.
“Erik ten Hag is so obsessed with the job of manager. He absolutely loves the game.
“He is always working, from morning till night. Every player at United will tell you that every part of our game is detailed by our manager.
“It is all spot-on – and this is how he is developing the team every single day.”
United will be looking to end their trophy drought when they face Newcastle in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley today.
And Malacia has helped Ten Hag create a strong dressing-room spirit.
“I like to create a great atmosphere,” said Malacia. “I am known for that among the players here and also at my old club.
“Everyone can always laugh at me.
“I like to bring good vibes in the dressing room – that is so important.”