Erik ten Hag has shared a sneak peek with Manchester United fans over what to expect from one “creative” player for the 2024-25 Premier League season.
The 54-year-old Manchester United manager inked a contract extension this summer after Ineos completed their end-of-season review and opted to retain his services.
Erik ten Hag oversaw a turbulent second season in charge at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils finishing in eighth place in the Premier League table.
However, the Dutchman signed off the 2023-24 season on a high note after a triumphant 2-1 FA Cup final win over Manchester City at Wembley in May.
Ten Hag has since seen a shake-up to his coaching staff, including the arrivals of Rene Hake and club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy as assistant managers.
The former Ajax boss is expected to see an overhaul of his squad this summer, with the likes of Donny van de Beek and Willy Kambwala already leaving the club so far.
Ten Hag talks up Man Utd star
Manchester United kicked off their pre-season campaign on Monday with a 1-0 defeat to Norwegian side Rosenborg at the Lerkendal Stadion.
Erik ten Hag was without several first-team players for the aforementioned defeat, including those who were on international duty at the Copa America and Euro 2024.
The United manager was unable to include new summer signing Joshua Zirkzee as part of his matchday squad against Rosenborg in Norway.
Joshua Zirkzee became the first major summer signing for the Ineos era at Old Trafford after he was snapped up from Serie A side Bologna.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Ten Hag revealed the dynamic that the 23-year-old Dutch attacker can bring to United’s team for next season.
“He is a player who can link up the game,” he said, as per Manchester United’s official website.
“Who can be available, hold up the ball, have good ideas, be creative, can dribble, [make] combinations.
“So that’s a different type and always what we are looking for, so it gives us more options tactically, which is good because, especially up front, we have many players who can play very direct and they can take a big benefit from his skills.”
Zirkzee finally arrives at Man Utd
Joshua Zirkzee had been linked with United amid Euro 2024 before the Red Devils landed him in a deal worth £36.54m.
United opted to pay a slightly higher fee than the £33.6m release clause in Zirkzee’s old Bologna contract in order to spread the cost of the transfer over a three-year period.
Zirkzee inked a deal with United until 2029 and the Netherlands international will offer much-needed competition for striker Rasmus Hojlund in the frontline.
Speaking after his signing, he told Manchester United’s official website: “Having had discussions with the manager and the leaders of the club I know how exciting the future is going to be here and I cannot wait to play my part in achieving success for Manchester United.
“I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning; I’m ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies.
“It is a privilege to join such an iconic club. I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away.”