‘Opportunity to win big championships’ – Ten Hag gives verdict on England hiring Tuchel as manager

Thomas Tuchel is no longer in the frame to replace Erik ten Hag after being announced as the new England manager.

The Manchester United boss cast his verdict on the appointment at Friday’s press conference and seemed to be in favour of the German getting the England job.

Ten Hag said the Football Association have made a “very good choice” by appointing the former Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich manager. He had also been earmarked by United to succeed Ten Hag at Old Trafford but that never materialised, despite a summer meeting with Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

“I think very good choice from the FA,” Ten Hag said, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News.

“He is a top-class manager, proved himself, creating top teams, creating teams who win and England didn’t win since 1966.

“So I think it’s a very good appointment to get a win because England has world-class players to make a team and they have the opportunity to win the Euros or the World Cup.”

One way for Ten Hag to lift the pressure after Tuchel appointment

It’s simple. Win football matches.

Starting this weekend when Brentford come to Old Trafford on Saturday in the 3pm kick-off.

To make matters harder, we’ll be without Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire for a few weeks, but in a more positive news Noussair Mazraoui will be available to face the Bees.

Manuel Ugarte is also fit after coming off with a knock in Uruguay’s scoreless draw with Ecuador in midweek.

Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen is set to start for the seventh time in the past eight games. It’s a crazy thing to say about a player many expected to leave in the summer because he was no longer deemed fit for requirements.

Speaking about Eriksen, Ten Hag added: “He faced some injuries in the first year, then already he was very important and as well as last season,” Ten Hag remarked, “also coming up [was] Kobbie but lately he proved himself in the team together with Kobbie.

“Unlucky now it’s [Mainoo’s] path for the coming weeks but it’s clear he (Eriksen) has had a good season so far and is important for the team with his contribution, linking key passes, creative, composed and calm. Very happy with his performances so far this season.”