Rene Meulensteen believes Manchester United are going in the right direction under Erik ten Hag.

After starting out at Old Trafford as technical skills development coach in January 2007, Meulensteen progressed to first-team coach. 

And during his time working alongside Sir Alex Ferguson, he helped United win 10 trophies before departing with the Scot in 2013.

The Red Devils have not lifted the Premier League title since their exit but appear to be taking positive strides under Ten Hag, who joined from Ajax last summer.

Meulensteen exclusively told LiveScore: "I think Ten Hag has got a clear idea of what he wants.

"In his first season, what he tried to do was shape the club in the way he envisions it.

"He basically said, 'These are the things that need to be in place, these are the parameters of success I want the players to adhere to'.

"A manager must not be afraid to make tough decisions and he's done that — not only with the Cristiano Ronaldo saga but with Harry Maguire and the captaincy as well."

The pressure of expectation

Meulensteen, currently assistant manager of Australia's national team, believes Ten Hag's handling of expectation levels will help United in the long run.

The ex-Fulham boss said: "I think Ten Hag has learned a lot in the last few years and that's why he's being careful, not being too openly optimistic about this United team just yet.

"He wants to manage expectations, which is exactly the right thing to do.

"Confidence will grow and they're certainly on the right track but he knows there is still a long, long way to go to reach the top."

Summer strengthening

Meulensteen, 59, is also impressed with United's transfer business so far this summer, with Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund all completing big-money switches to Old Trafford.

He added: "It is a shame the takeover saga is still rumbling in the background and there's a lack of clarity there, although at least Erik has been able to do the business he wants.

"Mount has been brought in because he's versatile, knows the Premier League and is still one for the future.

"Hojlund is a really interesting signing. A very young player who is extremely quick, direct and a bit of a poacher.

"Onana is a great goalkeeper, very charismatic and good at playing the ball out from the back.

"But it's always interesting to see how players from abroad settle in England because we know the Premier League is a different kettle of fish."

Challenges ahead

Meulensteen believes Ten Hag will want United to be more consistent this season after some suspect displays let down a potential title challenge in 2022-23.

He said: "Last season you just have to look at the games where they didn't turn up.

"Liverpool away where they collapsed and somehow lost 7-0, Sevilla away in the Europa League, Newcastle away.

"There were too many games where they weren't in it at all and that is one of my big concerns. Ten Hag needs to turn those defeats into draws or even narrow wins.

"United played some unbelievable football at times but the real key is consistency."

Rene Meulensteen: United, Sir Alex And Me, published by Reach Sport, is on sale from Amazon and all good bookshops now.