How Erik ten Hag has helped instil new Manchester United hunger

Before Erik ten Hag took charge of Manchester United, you would have been forgiven for questioning where the passion was among the playing squad.

Even with someone like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the wheel, a man who holds the club in the highest regard, the team often looked like they were going through the motions. Concerns were raised about players caring more about their personal brands than the club itself and it would be hard to argue against that.

However, the Dutchman has managed to instil a new hunger for success which is built around the pride of playing for United. Prior to the FA Cup final against Manchester City, Ten Hag explained where his players were drawing motivation from.

ALSO READ: Every word Ten Hag told journalists

He told reporters: "I know what the fans are thinking. But what we want is to restore Manchester United by winning trophies.

"So on Saturday we have an opportunity to win a trophy and we don't want to be distracted by anything. If it is important for the fans, it is important for us, so we will give everything to win the cup.

"It will not give more motivation for the team because their motivation is already enough - it can't be more. They want to win a cup and they have an opportunity. They want to set a crown on the season."

This sentiment was echoed this week by Luke Shaw when he was asked about his teammates' motivation for the upcoming campaign. While City's Treble success adds fuel to the fire, the full-back pointed more towards his desire to achieve with United.

"I feel like I’m still a bit young, so I’ve still got a bit more to give," he explained. "But I think for it to be successful, like I said, I think we need to start, and I need to start, winning more trophies here.

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