Manchester United: The master tactician is here and the prospect is looking good albeit there's still much to improve

What would you make of Manchester United’s preseason so far ? There's no denying it has been one impressive run despite their latest disappointment against Aston Villa.

This [the disappointment] is one that is expected in order to banish any signs of complacency when the new season gets underway. The team needs a down to earth from their performances and being served three game to the end of preseason is great timing.

So far so good. Three Premier League teams played in the course of four preseason games and it is obvious what Erik Ten Hag brings to Manchester United.

One can say, he has bring confidence, cohesion, fight and overall beautiful football, that has afforded everyone the chance to play and fight for their places in the team.

The improvement in individual and collective performances of the players have also been some of the highlight of what has been a thrilling preseason so far.

After only few weeks of training under the Dutchman, United beat Liverpool 4-0 in their first preseason game and followed it up with another four goal performance against Melbourne Victory.

Despite all this, the manager remains adamant that the team is at the level he wants them to be in order to be competitive enough to rival the other heavyweights in the league and Europe.

A 3-1 win over Crystal Palace and a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa also showed how much improvement there has been in the little time albeit Villa’s draw saw them surrender a two goal lead but this came to be as the manager also wanted to give the youth players another run, as he has always in the preseason.

United dominated the first half against Liverpool when they have the first team regulars on and in the second half when Liverpool were all over them, they (Manchester United) were still the ones that went on to score another goal.

Collectively, they press, show much hunger, discipline and maintain position with the former Ajax manager on the sideline, never unanimated and continuously pass out instructions. The players are loving the feeling and the fans are enjoying the show.

As mentioned in our previous articles on how the appointment of the Dutchman is a big win for Manchester United as it will help them reap from their previous investment, which has stalled in progression lately.

Anthony Martial is a great case of study in this. The Frenchman was deemed surplus to requirements before United departed for their preseason tour after failing to make the most of his loan move to Sevilla in the second half of last season.

Martial was considered an outgoing player, whose departure will help raise funds for the players needed by the new manager but after only few weeks, Erik Ten Hag now wants him to stay.

Martial, 26, has scored three goals and as well registered a assist in four preseason games. He's been very involved in the positive build up and starting to show positive character again, after a tough past season.

Jadon Sancho has already scored the same amount of goals he scored in 29 Premier League games last season in four preseason games. Moreso, the goals have only come against Premier League teams.

Sancho is arguably the most anticipated player under Erik Ten Hag. We talked about him having a difficult first season back in England after completing his big money move from Dortmund last summer. He was not helped by the club's poor form, which also starting to cost him his place in the Three Lions team.

And after few weeks under Ten Hag, things are against looking good for the former Manchester City youngster, whom many United fans rank as their top performer in the preseason.

Alongside Martial and Sancho, Marcus Rashford is also another player who has come under criticism for his lackluster performances and has also been questioned of his infield commitments.

The Mancunian has scored two goals in four preseason games and has been showing the signs of his past brilliance, which earned him the No.10 shirt at the club.

Albeit there are still much to improve, it is clear as day, how much Rashford is putting in to gain the Manager's trust ahead of the new season.

This trio are now looking like real threat they should be and are expected to lead United attack next season, amidst the unsettled future of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is yet to resume from the end of the season holiday.

Aside the attack, United have also been doing well in general. David de Gea is becoming more comfortable playing out from the back while the defenders look in better shape than they were in the later stages of last season.

The profile of the signed players so far is also impressive. Christian Eriksen is no stranger even in the Premier League while with Tottenham and the last six month spent at Brentford.

Lisandro Martinez was signed for Ajax by Ten Hag and was also named Ajax's best player of last season while the Dutchman has beeb a fan of Tyrell Malacia even when he was managing Ajax in the Eredivisie.

Malacia was named in the UEFA Europa Conference League team of the season having helped Feyenoord to the final and also putting up impressive numbers in the league.

They continue to be linked with Frenkie De Jong of Barcelona as Ten Hag look to seal the midfield option with a player well known to him. Though it hasn't been easy but it is obvious the club have done their possible best to sign the Dutchman.

Manchester United kickoff their premier League campaign on the seventh of August at Old Trafford against Brighton, the same side that put four goals past them in the penultimate game of last season.

Erik Ten Hag will be hopeful of earning a win on his first official duty and the signs so far is pointing in that direction. Nonetheless there are still much to improve before his side can rub shoulders with the big boys.

Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi