Erik ten Hag 'really happy' with start to life at Man United but eyes more signings

Eric ten Hag spoke to the media Friday ahead of Manchester United’s final pre-season game in Australia against Aston Villa in Perth.

Talking from the team hotel in the centre of the most isolated city in the world, he was asked about new signings and said: “We signed [Christian] Eriksen for the midfield, we are really happy with that. I am really happy with the performance of the midfield and offence at this moment. But I also know this season there are a lot of games, the World Cup, so we need more options, we have a good team, we need a good squad to get the right results at the end of the season.”

Several of United’s younger players have impressed on the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia. Asked about their prospects, Ten Hag replied: “We have a squad here and we don’t have a lot of time - we have to be ready for August 7. The squad here is defined in generations, we have experienced players, but also we wanted to give some young talents the chance, while they deserved it, to be here.

“I cannot give all young players the chances they maybe deserve because we have to construct a team but it is good to have them in, I see them daily in training, so I get a really good impression from them. From there on we can develop them by good plans, that is the idea. Not all youngsters have gained minutes, I have to set priorities, but in future they will play an important role, I think, for building Man United.

“James Garner just integrated in training this week, so I haven’t seen him. I don’t have, let’s say, fully an impression from him, I want to see more. Then I can answer the question and we will make conclusions and decisions. Hannibal Mejbri plays some minutes, he did quite well, in training as well. He gives a good