Manchester derby: Erik ten Hag admits there is a lot to learn from City's success
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said his team can learn from Manchester City’s success, but added his side will not try to copy their methods.
United travel to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday for the Manchester derby with their opponents once again the favourites.
City have increased the gap between the clubs, culminating in their historic treble last season, and with a good chance of more trophies this term.
A restructuring of United’s football hierarchy is under way following the investment made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group. Omar Berrada, from City, has been brought in as chief executive at Old Trafford.
United are currently sixth in the Premier League and while success and consistency might seem some way away, Ten Hag remains confident.
Ten Hag said: “I think you can always learn from opponents who are successful and you have to do it if you want to go to high levels but, at the same time, we have to do it in a United way.
“This is a different club with a different environment, with a different DNA. But you pick up things that can be successful and you integrate it in your own model.”
Ratcliffe had earlier stated that his ambition is for United to knock City and Liverpool “off their perch” in three years.
United are currently 15 points behind second-placed City but Ten Hag said he welcomes Ratcliffe’s targets.
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, right, celebrates scoring the first goal of his five goals against Luton Town with teammate Kevin De Bruyne. Reuters
Erling Haaland of Manchester City runs with the ball under pressure from Teden Mengi of Luton Town. City ran out 6-2 winners at Kenilworth Road to advance to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Getty
Manchester City’s Norwegian striker Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring his and his team’s third goal in a 6-2 victory over Luton Town. AFP
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in action during the FA Cup fifth round match at Kenilworth Road. PA
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, right, celebrates with his teammate Jeremy Doku after scoring his side’s third goal. AP
Joe Johnson of Luton Town and Erling Haaland of Manchester City battle for possession. Getty
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, right, celebrates with teammate Kevin De Bruyne after scoring the first of his five goals against Luton Town. AFP
Erling Haaland fires in the first of his five goals against Luton. AFP
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, right, scores his side’s second goal. AP
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, centre, celebrates after scoring his team’s fifth goal. PA
“It helps,” said the Dutchman. “We have to show ambition. We want to be the best and that is what United stands for. But, at the same time, we know also where we are now.
“We also have seen that there are moments where we go toe-to-toe. That’s the belief we have as a team. We have to pick up these moments and we have to prove it in every game. I think we are able to with this squad we have.”
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola says he is expecting the “best” from United even though City start Sunday’s derby as red-hot favourites.
City have won five of their past six matches against United in all competitions and look set to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool who are four points ahead.
Guardiola, whose team are chasing a second consecutive trophy treble, said he will not be taking United lightly.
“I expect the best from United, but I don’t talk about what they do, about opponents that I respect too much,” he said on Friday.
“I don’t want people to misunderstand my words.”
He added: “I know them and have a lot of respect for the institution, United of course, Erik (ten Hag) and the players but when I see what we have to do my players will know it today and tomorrow.”
Guardiola said despite United’s disappointing season, they still carry a threat.
“In one action they create something special in set pieces, in transition, in open play, connection between a few players and they score goals,” he said.
“Always United have been that way. When they play good they win games, when they are OK they are, no stress, they are able to win games.
“We are in March already, 2024, they lost just one game, last week at home (against Fulham).”
Scott McTominay of Manchester United celebrates with teammate Rasmus Hojlund after scoring his side’s winner in the 2-1 Premier League win against Aston Villa at Villa Park on February 11, 2024. Getty Images
Scott McTominay of Manchester United scores his team’s second goal with a header. Getty Images
Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz scores their first goal past Manchester United’s Andre Onana. Reuters
Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa celebrates with teammate John McGinn after scoring his team’s first goal. Getty Images
Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz celebrates scoring their first goal. Action Images
Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund celebrates scoring the opening goal with teammates Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes. PA
Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund scores their first goal. Reuters
Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United scores his side’s first goal. Getty Images
Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund celebrates after scoring their first goal with teammate Alejandro Garnacho. PA
Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot collides with his keeper Andre Onana. EPA