Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has given his first interview to the official Man United media [manutd.com] since the 2-1 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage last month.
United have not been in competitive action because of the break in the season to allow the FIFA World Cup to take place in Qatar.
Ten Hag and the players who did not participate in the World Cup are away in Spain for a winter training camp to boost their fitness and ensure that they can the ground running for United’s return to competitive action when United take on Burnley at Old Trafford on 21st December.
Ten Hag was asked about what his objectives, with regards to what he wants to get out of the training camp and the two friendlies that United have lined up. United play Cadiz tomorrow and Real Betis on Saturday.
“It’s the normal objectives for every training camp but certainly to get back into the rhythm of the game,” Ten Hag told Danny Webber, when speaking to the official Man United media team [manutd.com].
“So first, fitness levels and then second, the way of playing. But we are here with a mixed team, so I have to talk about several objectives.”
One of those ‘objectives’ will be to learn more about the young crop coming through at United. With so many of the regular first team players away representing their nations at the World Cup, the Man United manager said that this trip is a “great opportunity” for them to show him what they are all about and if they have the capabilities to play for a club like Manchester United.
“We have a lot of young players with us as well and they have to support us but they can show us what they have to offer, what their capabilities are and what their potential is and if you can use them, if they have a future.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for them. Normally we don’t have this break and now we have this break. Many players are at the World Cup, so there are positions available and they [the young players] can get used in these positions.
“They can show themselves and they can challenge players who play in the Premier League, so it’s fantastic for them.”