Before what may be the Dutchman’s first trophy at Old Trafford, Wayne Rooney has been quite impressed with Erik ten Hag‘s influence at Manchester United.
With a chance to end the team’s six-year trophy drought, Ten Hag will lead United against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday at Wembley.
The team is still in the FA Cup and only five points off the top of the Premier League heading into this weekend under the leadership of the Dutchman, who also led them to a stunning victory over Barcelona on Thursday that advanced them to the last-16 of the Europa League.
Following United’s struggles under managers like Ralf Rangnick, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Jose Mourinho—whose reign as the final manager of United to win a trophy may soon come to an end—it has been a remarkable impact from the former Ajax manager.
Rooney is ecstatic about what he has observed at his old team and claims that the players are responding favorably to Ten Hag’s coaching style.
Rooney, the manager of MLS team DC United, stated to ESPN that “He’s precisely what Manchester United have needed for a few years now.”
I visited the practice field frequently and spoke with many of the players, especially during the [MLS] offseason when I was back in England.
“I am aware that the players enjoy working for him, which is crucial, but he has high expectations for them.
“I think he’s altered the players’ perspective, confidence, and belief that they’re genuinely a good squad, and I think people are starting to see that this season and they’re in a terrific position,” the player said.
They are five points behind the leader, and there are still many games left, so everything is possible.
Ten Hag is eager to downplay United’s advancement, contending that they should only be evaluated on prize success.
“We can select the formations we believe to be most efficient.
During a press conference on Friday, he said, “It’s not a success, but the route to success.
“Trophy wins are the only indication of success. We have a chance to succeed this coming Sunday.
“We have a roster that we employ, and when we play four competitions, we need a squad. From a load and tactical standpoint, you can’t do it with 11 guys.
“At this point in the process, everybody believes.
“We play each game differently, but you can see the path we must take to advance and defeat the greatest.
“Sunday is a fantastic opportunity to receive the awards. That’s the main focus. In football, it’s all about honor and glory. We have a terrific chance to win the cup and deservedly made it to the championship game.
“We must use every effort to deliver the trophy to Manchester. You can see that we are eagerly anticipating the end of the trophy drought.
We are making every effort to uphold the honor of the fans.