Erik ten Hag has revealed that people had advised him not to join Manchester United in 2022 owing to their dwindling conditions.

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• Ten Hag advised not to join Man Utd in 2022
• Wanted to take on the challenge at Old Trafford
• Preparing for the upcoming season with Man Utd

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Manchester United's dwindling conditions are known to many very well and the same is reportedly the case with people close to Ten Hag, as the Dutch coach has revealed in a recent interview. Ten Hag disclosed that a lot of people told him not to join the club when he left Ajax in the summer of 2022. However, the 54-year-old decided to take the challenge head-on.

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• WHAT TEN HAG SAID

  Speaking in an interview with The Times, Ten Hag said: "So many people advised me not to come here. I could have gone into projects with better conditions, with much better structures but I chose this challenge because I feel like Manchester United is my club and I want to go for this challenge."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ten Hag's time as Manchester United boss has not been the most outstanding, however, earlier this summer he was given a two-year extension on his running contract with the Red Devils and is set to stay at the club for the next two years. Despite a poor 2023/24 season, Ten Hag believes he holds the confidence of the Red Devils' top brass. He said: "It’s helpful when you feel the backing from the leadership group. That helps because then you know where you’re building to, that you do it together.

  "When you are in a very good, very strong bond that gives you confidence. Also the dressing room, they will feel this."

• WHAT NEXT FOR TEN HAG?

  The Dutchman is set to take on another difficult start to the season after losing four players to injuries in the form of new signing Leny Yoro alongside Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford and Antony. However, he will hope to see the latter two recover in time for their first Premier League match.