MANCHESTER UNITED chiefs reportedly told Erik ten Hag to keep expectations “realistic” for the new season.
But the Dutchman instead talked UP United’s chances to boost player morale in his squad.
ESPN claims Ten Hag went against the wishes of higher-ups by telling his newly-inherited squad they can make a big impact this term.
United finished sixth last season after numerous underwhelming performances with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick at the helm.
The bulk of the squad still remains, with only three new players signed so far.
But despite Rangnick’s public criticism of United during his time at the club, Ten Hag has decided to go in the opposite direction.
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Upon arriving at United, he felt morale was at rock-bottom.
Club chiefs then informed Ten Hag to keep expectations realistic while they set about making new signings.
But the former Ajax boss felt it was better to go in another direction.
And he instead heaped praise upon maligned players including midfield duo Scott McTominay and Fred.
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That’s despite being personally aware that fresh faces were desperately needed ahead of the season opener against Brighton.
Ten Hag was then hit with a dose of reality when United crashed to a 2-1 home defeat against the Seagulls.
Since losing, they have been linked with Bologna’s Marko Arnautovic and Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot – much to the displeasure of fans.
United’s pursuit of Arnautovic has since been abandoned.
But it’s reckoned Rabiot was on Ten Hag’s radar before the Brighton defeat.
And initial contact was made with the Frenchman 24 hours before United’s Old Trafford humiliation.
Ten Hag now has a chance to shake things up for Saturday’s visit to Brentford.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Tyrell Malacia will all be pushing to start in a must-win game for United.
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That’s because their third match sees them take on rivals Liverpool nine days later.
And Ten Hag knows he cannot afford to lose all three of his opening games.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
