JAKARTA – New Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag has asked captain Harry Maguire to win the hearts of the club's fans by doing better.
The Dutch coach also admitted that he was still looking for new players and needed more options amid their hunt for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Ten Hag had made a good mark at United during his pre-season tour of Asia and Australia, but kept Maguire as captain despite the England centre-back being booed by his own supporters.
The ridicule of the 29-year-old had even reached Australia when Maguire was the target of some cursing in the 3-1 win against Crystal Palace in Melbourne.
"We heard," Ten Hag told reporters in Perth ahead of United's friendly against Aston Villa today.
"But you see, if you perform well, the ridicule loosens up. It's about how we can respond to criticism. Tim and Harry can answer that by performing well, and that's the only focus," said Ten Hag as quoted by Antara, Saturday, 23 July.
United impressed in their first game under Ten Hag's discipline, recording convincing wins in friendlies against Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Palace.
United's attacking play, which was the hallmark of Ajax under Ten Hag, has brought the Red Devils confidence ahead of the new Premier League season after finishing sixth last term.
The Red Devils look set to start the season without Cristiano Ronaldo who has yet to return after asking to leave Old Trafford. He missed the preseason tour for family reasons.
"Of course. But worrying might not be the right word," Ten Hag said when asked if he was concerned about Ronaldo's absence.
"I'm focused on the players that are there, they're playing well, they're in good shape. I prefer to focus on that and improve it. I can't wait for him (Ronaldo) to come in, then we will integrate him."
United itself intends to continue to strengthen its squad before the transfer window closes September 1.
United have already signed left-back Tyrell Malacia, centre-back Lisandro Martinez and playmaker Christian Eriksen, but appear to still need a central midfielder and a striker.
"We signed Eriksen to fill the midfield," said Ten Hag. "We need more options where you have a good team and it's not just about the team, you need a good squad to get the right results at the end of the season."
"So we need to strengthen the squad more and we are looking for it, but we also need the right players."
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