United fans urged to put last season behind them as Erik ten Hag braced for derby clash

Manchester United's new manager Erik ten Hag has urged fans to put last season behind them as he prepares for his first derby clash against Manchester City in the Community Shield.

Ten Hag takes charge of United for the first time in a competitive match when they face Premier League champions City at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.

The Dutchman has been working with his new squad for the past few weeks and is confident that they are ready for the challenge of facing Pep Guardiola's side.

"We have to put last season behind us and focus on the future," said Ten Hag. "We have a new manager, a new team and a new philosophy. We are ready for the challenge."

United endured a miserable campaign last season, finishing sixth in the Premier League and failing to win any silverware.

But Ten Hag is confident that he can turn things around at Old Trafford and is excited about the prospect of facing City in his first competitive match.

"It's a big game for us," said Ten Hag. "It's a chance to show what we can do and to make a statement. We want to win the game and to give our fans something to cheer about."

City are the clear favourites for the Community Shield, but Ten Hag is confident that United can cause an upset.

"We know that City are a very good team, but we are not afraid of them," said Ten Hag. "We have our own strengths and we believe that we can win the game."

United will be without a number of key players for the match, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.

But Ten Hag is confident that he has a strong enough squad to cope with the absences.

"We have a lot of quality in our squad," said Ten Hag. "We have players who can step up and make a difference."

The Community Shield is the traditional curtain-raiser to the English football season and is played between the winners of the Premier League and the FA Cup.

United have won the Community Shield 21 times, more than any other club.