– There is always room for improvement.

Eric Ten Hag demands his players clear demands. On Saturday, they lost 0-1 to Atlético Madrid in Olival in the pre-season.

It was the strong Manchester United squad that came to Olival that ran out of energy on Saturday. There, they would meet Atletico Madrid in a training match, barely a week before the Premier League kicks off.

Erik Ten Hag & Co. was almost at home, with United supporters making up the bulk of the approximately 26,000 spectators. Before the start of the match, the fans warmed up due to the July sun, guitar playing and the songs of Manchester United fans.

Poor match

Almost all seats were filled in Olival as United and Atletico Madrid players stood on the pitch. Most of it seemed to revolve around those in red, on and off the field. But in the 87th minute, Joao Felix hit the ball into the goal, in front of thousands of frustrated Manchester United fans.

It was a tough match and we know Manchester United are a tough team. Felix said after the match that it was difficult to play against them, but we had a good game.

Manchester United had the most chances in 90 minutes, but the goals did not materialize.

Anthony Martial’s big chance was wasted, Harry Maguire got a great chance from a corner kick, but he couldn’t direct the ball towards goal.

Unfortunately, it was a poor match today, but it was still good. We have a new coach and we have to take his messages. We have to keep working and opportunities will come. Swede Anthony Ilanga said that the competition in the team is difficult, and for my part I have to take advantage of the opportunities.

During the match, Fred also received his second yellow card and had to leave the field.

Does he turn around with Tin Hag?

At home at Old Trafford, the change was in ambiance. One man in particular is the reason for this. Dutchman Ten Hag is the first permanent coach since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was dismissed last fall. Ralph Ranik was interim coach in the second half of the season. He did not get a system in the ranks.

Reinforcements had to be brought in, both on the field and on the sidelines. Tin Hag now breathes life into hope for the future. Nor is a coach one to walk quietly down the aisles if the players do not follow his demands. He is described as an assertive man who wants it his way. And perhaps most importantly: he has a formidable victory instinct.

In his first official interview as Manchester United manager, the Dutchman admitted there was a huge challenge ahead.

At the moment the situation is not good. It’s a big challenge. I want to build and put together a team where players fight for each other, stand together and get results, Ten Hag said then.

dry cup

By the end of next season, it will be ten years since Manchester United’s players last won the Premier League Cup. There are not many who think they can raise it next season. But there is great optimism that Tin Hag is the man who can get the Red Devils back on track.

The success at Ajax made him one of the most sought-after coaches in Europe, and several clubs are said to have wanted Haag’s services. Before the Dutchman took over Ajax in 2017, the capital club had not won the Eredivisie for three seasons. then turned around. There, Tin Hag led them to their third consecutive league title earlier this year.

After the match against Atletico Madrid on Saturday, he said there is always room for improvement in the squad.

We have enough chances to score at least one goal. You can’t expect to create many chances against this team. The United boss told Viaplay after the 0-1 loss that it is of course important to pay attention to the chances.

In the red part of Manchester, conditions weren’t ideal for some time. Last season they ended up in a disappointing sixth place, collecting the worst points since the Premier League kicked off in 1992. Resentment is growing among players and fans alike.

Over the summer, Ten Hagues strengthened the team and worked on the offensive game.

Denmark’s Christian Eriksen is one of the most recent signings with Hague. During his Ullevaal debut, he received a standing ovation from the Norwegian public when he was substituted on the field.

The interaction between Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford has also been strong in training matches this summer.

After the match, Manchester United drove directly to the player’s bus and passed the press in attendance. On Sunday, they had their last practice match before the series started against Rayo Vallecano. Ten Hag confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the squad.

Manchester United start their season on Sunday 7 August at 2pm. Then they face Brighton at Old Trafford.