Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Jaap Stam backs Erik ten Hag for Man Utd success if one vital condition is met

Erik ten Hag, John Murtough, Mitchell van der Gaag Crystal Palace v Man Utd May 2022

Jaap Stam feels Erik ten Hag could do a good job for Manchester United as long as he has the right players at his disposal.

Ten Hag, 52, has been charged with the task of bringing the good times back to Old Trafford after last season’s debacle. Despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s return, the Red Devils managed just a sixth-place finish to qualify for the Europa League. A combination of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick failed to deliver the goods.

And the club’s hierachy have turned to the Dutchman after his success at Ajax. He won the Eredivisie title on three occasions while also netting a couple of KNVB Cups.

The former Utrecht chief has been linked with a number of players. He is said to crave a reunion with Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

Former Tottenham and Brentford star Christian Eriksen is another player thought to be on his wish-list. Stam believes his compatriot has what it takes to be a success at the Theatre of Dreams.

But the former United defender has urged the club’s money men to back the boss in order to achieve their aims.

“We all know what he can do and what he has done over in Holland with Ajax. Hopefully he can do the same now with United,” he told The Guardian.

“Obviously, there are certain things that will need to be there for him to help him, maybe in terms of different players and personnel. But I think he’s done a good job in Holland.”

Versatility key to Ten Hag strategy

Manchester United have struggled for consistency ever since Sir Alex Ferguson called time on his lengthy spell at the club. The likes of David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Solskjaer have all tried to replicate the club’s success.

But none have lifted the Premier League trophy and that is what the fans desire. Ten Hag will doubtless have his own ideas about the style he wants to see on the Old Trafford pitch.

Jaap Stam FC Cincinnati 2022 TEAMtalk1

However, there are different ways to achieve success and Stam has lifted the lid on how his old boss went about his business.

“In Holland, we always say that every player in every position needs to be able to play football,” he added. “So a centre-back needs to be able to dribble forward, to be the extra man in midfield, to have that pass. We try to educate players to be able to do everything.

“At United, one of Fergie’s qualities was bringing players in of a certain ability who could do things well in their position; then if they go well together, you’ve got a chance of doing very well.

“He got the right players for the right positions.”

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