Ten Hag wants to restore the winning culture to Man Utd
"It's not just about coaching, it's about creating a winning culture," Ten Hag told uefa.com on February 15. "That's what I'm aiming for. I won't use the word 'I', but 'We' will do it together."
Ten Hag is having a 72.2% win rate with Man Utd. In the first 36 matches of the 2022-2023 season, his team won 26 matches, drew four and won and lost only six. His current win rate is only inferior to his time at Ajax: 73.5%. He is expected to bring the Old Trafford owner back to the top, after many years of hunger for titles.
Ten Hag arrived at Man Utd after winning three Dutch championships, two Dutch Cups and a Dutch Super Cup with Ajax. The 53-year-old leader also won three Dutch best coach titles in the 2015-2016, 2018-2019 and 2020-2021 seasons.
"I want a new challenge after leaving Ajax," Ten Hag said. "Man Utd is a big club, but obviously it hasn't been very successful in the last few years. I'm really happy here. We want to be successful, but it has to be long-term success."
What makes a turning point for Man Utd this season is the high performance after the 2022 World Cup break. In the last 15 matches, the "Red Devils" won 13 matches, drew two and lost only one. During that journey, Ten Hag's teachers and students reached third in the English Premier League, reached the final of the League Cup and the fifth round of the FA Cup. Man Utd is having the opportunity to end the title thirst that has lasted since 2017 and win tickets to the Champions League next season.
Man Utd players' form and spirit have also made great strides. In 15 games after the World Cup, Marcus Rashford scored 13 goals. Three players Luke Shaw, Wan-Bissaka and Bruno Fernandes are gradually regaining their confidence as ever. "Together with the coaching staff, I want the players to be at their best," Ten Hag said. "I want to create a good team, but I also want to maximize the performance of the players."
Today, Man Utd will be a guest on Barca's field in the first leg of the Europa League play-off round. The return leg will take place in England on February 23.
Barca will be the biggest test for Man Utd since the 2-3 defeat against Arsenal on January 22. The Spanish team has not lost a match in domestic tournaments since a 1-3 loss to Real in October 2022.
