How Erik may look to evolve United’s style

Stam played at Ajax at the end of his career, in 2006/07, and was impressed by the work undertaken by Ten Hag at another of his former clubs, in becoming a real force in the Eredivisie and Champions League.

“What he likes, how he likes to play, and what we’ve seen with Ajax in the Champions League as well,” added the 51-year-old. “That is probably how he wants to play, more dominant.

“And, when we look at a club [such] as United, as a whole, we want United, as the fans, and everybody within the club probably as well, we want United to be dominant.

“We want them to be on top of the opposition and not holding back too much but, you know, keeping the ball, keeping possession, being a threat every time and not only in transition but on the ball. And then, of course, making it very difficult for the opposition to create anything but creating a lot of opportunities ourselves.

“I think that’s what shows how United is as a club, as a team and how they were in the past. I think that’s what he’s looking for as well, and to be even more resilient, at times, as well.”