Man United manager Erik ten Hag has instilled a strict discipline policy at his new club – and has already put it into action, according to reports.
The Red Devils appointed the Dutchman as their new boss last year. Their aim was to bring in a manager who could turn the club around following their disastrous 2021/22 season.
United went through two managers – three, if you count interim boss Michael Carrick – were knocked out of the Champions League at the last 16 stage, and finished in sixth place in the Premier League.
Under Ralf Rangnick, they won just three of their final 11 league games. There were humiliating 4-0 defeats to Liverpool and Brighton. In addition, a final day 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace rubberstamped the club’s worst season in their Premier League history.
Before United’s pre-season tour of Australia, Ten Hag created several rules that his squad must follow. He has focused on style of play, fitness and even eating habits, with personal chefs now banned.
But one of the key areas Ten Hag is determined to improve is discipline. He was disappointed with the ‘negative body language’ shown by players at the end of last season, and will hope his new policy has a positive effect.
And according to The Athletic, the new manager has already implemented the policy.
Erik ten Hag drops Man United player for lateness
Ten Hag is prepared to drop players if they leak any team information, or are late for training sessions. And he has shown his willingness to do precisely that.
The Athletic report that one Man United player turned up late on two occasions to a team meeting in Australia. With games coming thick and fast on tour, and with Ten Hag keen to ensure his side adapts to a new style of play, team meetings will have been critical in getting the messages of the new manager across.
In response to the player turning up late, Ten Hag reportedly banished him from the squad for the next game. The player, who is not named in the report, was due to play a part in the match. Instead, however, due to his lateness, he had to watch from the stands.
In doing this, Ten Hag has sent a message to his squad that they must always maintain high discipline standards.
Bruno Fernandes is amongst the players to have publicly backed the policy. In addition, it remains to be seen whether all other players will do the same. Based on Ten Hag’s rules, though, it appears that those who don’t may have to look for another club.
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