Erik ten Hag explains Manchester United's controversial recruitment strategy this summer

Erik ten Hag has admitted Manchester United searched for players with 'character' in the summer transfer window.

United signed Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Antony, Casemiro and Martin Dubravka in the summer and four of those players have become first-team regulars, with loanee Dubravka the only signing not to have played a game.

Martinez and Antony have become fan favourites for their personality and passionate style on the pitch, while Casemiro endeared himself to supporters at Stamford Bridge last weekend when wildly celebrating his stoppage-time equaliser.

The new players have improved the side, but the club's recruitment strategy was criticised in the summer, with some suggesting it was just Ten Hag signing players who he had previously worked with, which is a policy attached with risk.

However, the signings have been successful so far, with the exception of the loan of Dubravka, and the personality trait they share has been key in that, according to Ten Hag, who has revealed he wanted to bring players with 'character' to Old Trafford.

"We searched for six characters. Football skills are one thing, but personality is another thing," Ten Hag told Sky Sports. "First, everyone needs to fit into the team, but you need also the emotional types, especially I think here at United.

"We strive for perfection, it's where we strive for determination and resilience. You need such types and I think we added some and you can see the effect. I think we are well co-operating with our fans, there is a connection, and there's a vibe.

"We need to keep that going. What is in the past is history, we need to look in the future, we have to build our future., together with the fans and we are in that process. My aim is to win games first, secondly, to restore Man United where they belong.

"That's at the top of football. That's what we are working for every day, the best we can."