Ten Hag disagrees with Guardiola over EPL competition with MLS or Saudi Arabia

Manchester United are set to face off against Borussia Dortmund on their USA tour, and manager Erik ten Hag conducted a lengthy interview in San Diego ahead of the match. 

He reflected on his first season at Old Trafford, the "surprises, some positive, some negative", and how his team progressed once he arrived: "All levels increased immensely and that was necessary. We were more dominant and created many chances. But still, we are not where we want to be. We have to raise the bar and go to the next levels", he commented.

As for his new signings, he believes that keeper Andre Onana, who replaces David De Gea, will bring change to the Red Devils: "He's a great goalkeeper and has a different profile. That's why we wanted to sign him. With him, something will change in our game."

He was also asked about the Saudi Pro-League pulling players from Europe's top leagues and affecting English clubs' negotiations. Where Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes that "Saudi Arabia has changed the market", the Dutchman does not appear to be too concerned, and certainly doesn't feel that it threatens the Premier League.

"There is some money over there and it attracts players. In Europe, it has an effect", he admitted. "But I don't see it in this moment as a problem for the Premier League because this is where the big players want to play. And that does not put it in competition with leagues like America or Saudi Arabia."

 

July 30, 2023