Erik ten Hag makes ambitious Pep Guardiola admission after taking charge at Manchester United

Erik ten Hag is looking forward to going toe-to-toe with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola after being officially unveiled as Manchester United's new manager.

The Dutchman, who watched United's 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday from the stands, held his first press conference since taking charge at Old Trafford on Monday lunchtime. He outlined his plans for the forthcoming summer and his long-term objectives.

After shaking hands with some of the assembled media ahead of the press call getting under way, the Dutchman spoke comfortably, all while donning a smile. Ahead of meeting the gathered media, he also conducted an in-depth interview with the club's in-house media department.

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He answered questions on a wide range of topics, including his relationship with Guardiola, as the pair worked together while the latter was in charge of Bayern Munich, with Ten Hag overseeing matters of the reserve team [Bayern Munich II]. But the United boss is now looking forward to challenging him in pursuit of success.

"Yes, I really look forward [to facing him] and I admire him for the way he wants to play," Ten Hag told United's club website. "He has also inspired me by the way he wins titles. But also I look forward to battling him."

Ten Hag, who has confirmed that United will begin their pre-season preparations on June 27, will be tasked with overseeing a cultural reset this summer and embedding a new style of play. He has made it clear that he wants to play attack-minded football, but has admitted that winning is the most important element.

The United boss added: "Like I want to win. Winning is the most