Blind Backs ‘Control Freak’ Ten Hag to Deliver at Manchester United

02 November 2021, North Rhine-Westphalia, Dortmund: Then Ajax's head coach Erik ten Hag leads a training session for the team at at Signal Iduna Park ahead of a UEFA Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund. (dpa)
02 November 2021, North Rhine-Westphalia, Dortmund: Then Ajax's head coach Erik ten Hag leads a training session for the team at at Signal Iduna Park ahead of a UEFA Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund. (dpa)
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Blind Backs ‘Control Freak’ Ten Hag to Deliver at Manchester United

02 November 2021, North Rhine-Westphalia, Dortmund: Then Ajax's head coach Erik ten Hag leads a training session for the team at at Signal Iduna Park ahead of a UEFA Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund. (dpa)
02 November 2021, North Rhine-Westphalia, Dortmund: Then Ajax's head coach Erik ten Hag leads a training session for the team at at Signal Iduna Park ahead of a UEFA Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund. (dpa)

Ajax Amsterdam defender Daley Blind has described new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag as a "control freak" and backed the Dutchman to bring success back to the club if given time and resources to establish his own playing style.

Blind, who spent four seasons at United before leaving for Ajax in 2018, won three Eredivisie titles and two domestic cups under Ten Hag.

"He's really social," the 32-year-old told https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/daley-blind-says-new-united-boss-erik-ten-hag-is-a-control-freak United's website. "I think, also in Ajax, he knows everyone at the club is important. Everyone needs to be involved to get that winning feeling, that winning mentality.

"He is aware of that and wants to keep everything close. He's also a control freak and wants to be on top of everything. I think that's a special quality you need to have when being that good."

Ten Hag takes over at Old Trafford following a woeful campaign under interim manager Ralf Rangnick, with the team finishing sixth in the Premier League and missing out on Champions League qualification.

United have not won a trophy since the Europa League in 2017 and while getting his hands on silverware will be important for Ten Hag he must first establish a clear playing style, said Blind.

"I know this manager has the quality and I hope he gets the time to put everything his way and makes sure the team plays how he wants," he added. "I am confident he will be successful."



LeBron ‘Happy to Have Helped’ Andreeva to Indian Wells Win 

Mirra Andreeva addresses the crowd after defeating Aryna Sabalenka during the women's final of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 16, 2025 in Indian Wells, California. (Getty Images/AFP)
Mirra Andreeva addresses the crowd after defeating Aryna Sabalenka during the women's final of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 16, 2025 in Indian Wells, California. (Getty Images/AFP)
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LeBron ‘Happy to Have Helped’ Andreeva to Indian Wells Win 

Mirra Andreeva addresses the crowd after defeating Aryna Sabalenka during the women's final of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 16, 2025 in Indian Wells, California. (Getty Images/AFP)
Mirra Andreeva addresses the crowd after defeating Aryna Sabalenka during the women's final of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 16, 2025 in Indian Wells, California. (Getty Images/AFP)

NBA star LeBron James said he was happy to have helped Mirra Andreeva after the Russian teenager credited one of his past interviews where he talked about the importance of mental strength for inspiring her to victory at Indian Wells on Sunday.

Andreeva beat world number one Aryna Sabalenka 2-6 6-4 6-3 in the final to clinch her second straight WTA 1000 title after winning the Dubai Championship last month.

Andreeva said in an interview with Tennis Channel on Monday that she had taken James' comments to heart.

"He was saying that even if you don't play 100% or even if you don't feel 100% physically, I'm going to choose to be 100% mentally," she said.

"He said that's what makes us champions, so I kind of tried to do the same."

James, the NBA's all-time leading scorer and four-times champion, congratulated the 17-year-old on her win and urged her to keep going.

"Congratulations! Happy to have helped," James wrote on Instagram late on Monday. "But honestly YOU did THAT!! All your hard work, drive, and dedication toward your craft. KEEP GOING! strive for greatness."