Man United Pre-season: Manchester United fans are optimistic on the club’s revival under Erik ten Hag. They are hopeful that we can see Sir Alex Fergurson days back at Old Trafford. He took over the charge as the manager in 2022 and with one season, he showed a great character.
The Dutch manager has added a big discipline to the team and transformed the Man United squad. Ten Hag helped Man United to win the first silverware since 2017. He ended the trophy drought for the club when Man United beat Newcastle United in EFL Cup final. Man United were also the runner-up in FA Cup.
When Erik ten Hag came to Old Trafford, Man United lost its place in top four and they had a nightmare season in 2021/22. He gave a big boost by signing quality players and despite Ronaldo’s saga and ownership takeover story, he took his team to third in points table.
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Man United are currently in the US for the pre-season tour and Erik ten Hag is continuing the same approach for the new season. The former Ajax head is caring which colour socks players and staff wear. The 53-year-old wants players to meet professional standards. The group is emailed about the dress code the night before. Man United boss has also banned flip-flops from the changing room.
In addition to other disciplinary rules, players should eat their breakfast together and mobile phones are not allowed at the dining table. Even, smartphones are not permitted in team meetings to encourage focus.
Man United co-owner Avram Glazer went to New Jersey to watch his team’s training session. The manager looked busy with his game plan and he just gave him a brief handshake before focusing on his squad. Erik ten Hag has also demanded the days aside for any marketing or commercial activity. He wants these things to finish in two days instead of three.
The United boss gave his squad a rare day off ahead of their clash with Borussia Dortmund. He wants to avoid any injury and also wants to take care of the player’s health. He does this care part with the help of the sport science team who assures players to wear blood glucose monitors and sweat patches to track hydration.
On a diet part, chef Omar Meziane is taking charge who worked with England’s cricket team and rugby side Harlequins. Psychologists and nutritionists have also been with the Man United group in the US.
Some fans admired this strict action of Erik ten Hag and they felt it reminded them of Sir Alex Ferguson who is a legendary manager in Premier League history. A fan has written, “Reminiscent of the GOAT Sir Alex… definitely bodes well.. .can’t wait for Ten Hag’s vision of this team to come together.”
One fan added: “This is not micro managing. Also discipline and good attitude breeds good mentality.” One said: “When you know what you want, how to get it and totally focus on it, you make strategic measures to achieve it. No wonder we are seeing so much cohesion on the pitch.“
Ten Hag recently demanded groundsmen cut the grass to exactly 15mm. Last season, he gifted players a de-icer to clear car windscreens after a midweek draw to Crystal Palace because the temperature was dropped to -3C in England.
We saw how last season in-form Rashford dropped to the bench for oversleeping and missing a meeting. Cristiano Ronaldo also faced a tough reaction from the manager when he threw a strop due to not being subbed on against Spurs. When Man United lost to Brentford in the first month of the Premier League, he dragged players in for an extra 8.5-mile run.
Erik ten Hag’s side is playing better football in pre-season and it would be the first Champions League season for Ten Hag as Man United manager. He would also eye the Premier League title this season.
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