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Wayne Rooney was full of praise for Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag in his recent column for The Times, giving plaudits to the Dutchman overhaul of United’s daily routine at Carrington.
Rooney was present at the Reds' training ground at the start of pre-season, and having spoken to both players and staff, insists Ten Hag’s hands-on approach has been a “positive for everyone”.
This is a far cry from the “lack of structure” which plagued Ralf Rangnick’s doomed tenure as interim boss.
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Rooney believes that continuity and routine in the weekly timetable of the squad will yield more positive results for United’s struggling talent who he insists have the goods to perform.
“The thing about United is that the players are good. I just don't think they've performed the best they can," he began.
"Under this new manager, there is an onus on them to go and do that now.”
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Rooney was forthcoming with his criticism of Rangnick’s United side of last season and reiterated his belief that under Ten Hag, United will have a much more clearly identifiable identity and style of play.
“Watching them last season was difficult at times,
"The big thing which stood out was that they did not look enough of a team. The players did not look happy on the pitch.
"They seemed like a bunch of individuals. Often I couldn't work out what they were trying to do in terms of game plan, or see any patterns of play.
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"I think one of the big things you'll see from Ten Hag is him really trying to put his stamp on the playing identity.”
Whilst being full of praise for new manager at Old Trafford, the former United striker stressed the need for more business to be done in the transfer market.
He believes that a couple more incomings are needed in midfield and attack to keep pace with United’s ever-strengthening rivals.
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“I think they'll improve and the target has to be getting back into the top four. However, while Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal have strengthened and Chelsea are still bringing players in,
"United remain one or two signings away from having the squad to do it and so a lot depends on the last few weeks of the transfer window,
"United are doing everything to bring Frenkie de Jong in and they could certainly do with a midfielder. A No 9 too.”
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Rooney’s sentiments are likely to be echoed by United fans who will hope that the work done so far on the training ground and all throughout pre-season, translates onto the pitch in the competitive games. The first taste of this new look Manchester United side will come on Sunday as they host Brighton for their opening Premier League game.
Wazza and fans alike will be hopeful of a win delivered in the style Ten Hag has been trying to implement so far.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Wayne Rooney, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League, Football, Ralf Rangnick