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16 Former Manchester United, AC Milan and Netherlands defender Jaap Stam believes his former club are ‘kidding’ themselves by settling for anything but the best ahead of the 2024/25 season.
It is hardly surprising that Jaap Stam is demanding that United should be competing for the Premier League title. The former Netherlands international was a winner with the highest of standards and his views on the Reds always carry weight.
Strettycast co-host Brian Murphy featured in a Manchester United Legends XI fundraiser match last weekend in Ballyfermot, Ireland. He had the honour of playing between the sticks behind Stam and took the opportunity to interview one of the greatest defenders to ever play for United.
🤝🏻🔴⚫️🇾🇪 🎙 pic.twitter.com/MVt7GCf0rv
— Manchester United Supporters Club Ballyfermot (@MUSCBALLYFERMOT) August 5, 2024
The event was organised by Manchester United Supporters Club Ballyfermot and everyone enjoyed themselves.
Stam took time to reflect on the event and praise United’s Irish faithful support.
“It’s always good to play for a good cause and it’s always good to see the Irish as well,” Stam told Strettycast, the official podcast of Stretty News. “They are passionate people who love football and United which, of course, is very positive.
“Today was a very special day – not only for the people attending the event, but for us as ex-players we love to come over and compete, especially with you guys. We do this for a good cause so we are all very happy. It’s about the people.”
The Premier League season begins next week when United host Fulham at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag knows his team must improve on the shocking 8th-place finish we mustered up last term.
Stam demands higher standards this season and he wants to see Ten Hag get his team to play in a certain way, while stressing that we are ‘kidding’ ourselves if the top four is the objective.
“You are always hoping that the club is going to be ending up at the top of the league,” he added. “That’s how I know United. It’s about winning the league and anything less isn’t enough.
“We can speak about finishing in the top four, but we are kidding ourselves. I think we need to make sure that we are going to be winning the league. That is what we are all working for after a couple of years with a new manager. They need to invest and make changes. The manager needs to get his team to play in a certain way to compete with the best in the Premier League. That is what United stands for.”
Strettycast 205: Brian’s United Debut – Hear from Jaap Stam & more
After playing behind Stam, Brian couldn’t help but ask the Dutchman if he felt underrated for his ball-playing abilities at United.
“In Holland, a centre-back is different than in the UK. A centre-back in Holland needs to do everything. To be able to pass, dribble, score, defend 1-v-1s in a big space, go into midfield as an extra man.
“But when Sir Alex came over and brought me into the squad, he gives me a task in how to play and what I needed to do. You stick to it because it’s important to the team. But all of the things you mentioned before I could easily do. I’ve done it with the national team and in Italy.
“It’s all about the manager and what he is expecting from a player. I won’t say I’m underestimated for it because I think everybody who knows me knows I can do that.
“The thing is, it’s not all about the individual. It’s about making progress as a team, winning trophies which is what we did… Look at the treble we won as a team. Nobody else has done that at United so that tells you something about the quality of these players.
“United is a great club. It’s a big club that will make changes and hopefully, they are going to be doing well and winning the league again. We’ll be there to support them – like you guys!”
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