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Erik ten Hag says Manchester United are “not prepared” for the beginning of the Premier League season forward of their opener in opposition to Fulham on Friday.
The Purple Devils had a combined pre-season, profitable simply two of their 5 video games and dropping the opposite three, earlier than narrowly lacking out on penalties within the Group Protect after a 1-1 draw with Manchester Metropolis final weekend.
Ten Hag was additionally unable to work along with his full squad throughout their tour of the USA as a consequence of gamers getting prolonged breaks following their involvement within the Euros and the Copa America.
Having not too long ago introduced Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui to the membership on Tuesday, the Dutchman admitted United haven’t had lots of time to gel as a gaggle earlier than their first Premier League match.
“It’s true [new players need time], it’s not the pre-season the place in 5 to 6 weeks you’re employed on a group, it’s very sophisticated,” he mentioned in his press convention.
“The USA tour squad, after which we added the gamers at Euros and Copa America and now new signings, and we’ve to make a group from it.
“That group isn’t prepared, however the league begins, and extra managers have this downside.
Straight to it for our newest recruits #MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 15, 2024
“Nonetheless, we’ve some room, have some rules, and we’ve to make a begin. We are able to’t cover, we’ve to cope with it.
“We’re not at 100% kind, however we’ve to go from recreation to recreation to enhance and to get greater efficiency ranges within the group and in particular person gamers. We’ll see how fast we will go along with this course of.”
In two seasons in cost, Ten Hag ended the membership’s six-year trophy drought by beating Newcastle United within the EFL Cup last in 2023 earlier than clinching the FA Cup in opposition to rivals Metropolis in Might.
Regardless of failing to carry onto their result in declare the Group Protect final Saturday, Ten Hag is eyeing extra silverware with the membership this season.
“Not so completely different however “We all know our targets; we all know our course.
“[Our expectations are] all the time very excessive, we wish to go for trophies.”
