Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has voiced his excitement for tomorrow’s Euro 2024 semi-final between his homeland and the country of his employment, describing the ‘great’ prospect in his first words with the Red Devils’ club channel since his contract extension.

While this latest exciting edition of European competition reaches its dramatic climax, former Ajax boss Ten Hag has already started preparations for the new season and spoke to the media about his intentions after his FA Cup triumph earlier this summer was rewarded with a new deal. Looking back, Ten Hag, who has been in the Old Trafford hotseat since April 2022 said:

“The level we reached there, that is where the bar is. That is the level we need and that has to become the standard. (…) Good is not good enough. That sentence has to stay in our heads. It always has to be better.”

Surrounding the potential breakout stars of next term, he continued, “In the last game of last season we showed that we can compete with the very best teams and beat them. It was a great day. Every season there are new surprises. Last year it was Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho who made their mark. I am curious which player can follow in their footsteps.”

Mainoo, of course, will likely cap his recent rise with a Euro semi-final appearance, and Ten Hag will be keeping a close eye on his 19-year-old star. Ten Hag mentioned his contact with current and former players in this fixture:

“I have spoken to several boys. It will be a great match. Everyone is really looking forward to it. Football is so important to the Dutch and English people. I have seen many matches and I enjoyed it. The Netherlands – England will be a fantastic match.“