Manchester United's Ambitious New Owners and the Players' Quest for Excellence

Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has expressed his belief in the ambition of the club's new owners, Ineos. He emphasizes that it is now up to the players to prove that they are on the same level. Ineos CEO Sir Jim Ratcliffe is in the process of finalizing a deal to acquire a 25% stake in the club. Even before the deal is completed, Ratcliffe has made significant moves, including bringing in Omar Berrada from Manchester City as chief executive and reportedly considering the appointment of Newcastle's Dan Ashworth as sporting director.

Ten Hag believes that these off-the-pitch changes can have a positive impact on the players and the club as a whole. He emphasizes the importance of having support from above and acknowledges that a club like Manchester United cannot operate in isolation. He expresses his satisfaction with the current structure and the people he is working with, but also highlights the need for continuous improvement and the pursuit of excellence.

Manchester United's recent performance has been promising, with a six-match unbeaten streak and four consecutive wins in all competitions. However, they currently sit in sixth place in the Premier League, six points behind fourth-placed Tottenham.

When asked about his involvement in the appointment of a new sporting director, Ten Hag states that he is focused on his role within the current structure and is unaware of any potential changes. He reiterates his commitment to the team and reveals that plans are already being made for the future, including preparations for the upcoming summer transfer window.

In terms of the team's immediate plans, Manchester United will be facing Luton in their next match. However, they will be without the services of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mason Mount, and Tyrell Malacia. There is some uncertainty regarding the availability of Luke Shaw, but Ten Hag remains optimistic that he will recover in time.

In conclusion, Erik ten Hag's comments highlight the ambition of Manchester United's new owners and the importance of the players proving themselves. He acknowledges the positive impact that off-the-pitch changes can have and emphasizes the need for continuous improvement. Manchester United's recent performance has shown promise, but there is still work to be done to achieve their goals. Ten Hag's focus is on the current structure and plans for the future, including the upcoming summer transfer window. The team's immediate attention is on the match against Luton, although they will be missing some key players. Overall, the message is clear: Manchester United is determined to succeed and will continue to strive for excellence.