The strict rules no-nonsense Erik Ten Hag has imposed at United to stamp his authority

Before the arrival of the Dutchman, Manchester United had an elephant in the room to deal with; star players reported receiving preferential treatment thus sending the dressing room into disarray and so were the results reflected on the pitch.

Making lemonade from the Ronaldo debacle

Erik ten Hag and Cristiano Ronaldo on September 4, 2022. AFP

Club legend Cristiano Ronaldo on his return was soon displeased with the affairs at United and wanted to force his way out. Frustrated by the performance, lack of playing time and the alleged ‘lack of respect’ by the manager, he went all out in the in the famous Piers Morgan interview.

For Ten Hag, he made lemonade out of the lemons the situation served him.

According to Daily Mail, Ten Hag has since imposed new code of discipline with no player above his rules.

Cristiano in the interview, criticised young players for ‘not suffering enough’ and ‘having it so easy’ and it seems Ten Hag took notes.

“The discipline the manager brought to everyone has changed the mentality of the entire club, not only the players”, midfielder Bruno Fernandes says of Erik ten Hag.

Strict time-keeping

Rashford completed an incredible turnaround for Manchester United AFP

Most recently, when in-form star Marcus Rashford overslept, Ten Hag shocked fans as he benched arguably his best chance of getting a goal.

Rashford’s crime was oversleeping and arriving late for United’s team meeting against Wolves. As they prepared to leave the hotel for Molineux, Rashford was informed that due to his failure to keep time, he would be on the bench.

Rashford would be brought on late in the game to find the sole goal that gave United the win. A pact was sealed, respect earned!

Strong punishments

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag giving instructions to teenage sensation Garnacho AFP

Alejandro Garnacho was reported to have been two meetings and didn't feature in any of United's four games as a result.

He reportedly takes the players for long runs after a bad performance and to enforce discipline, he takes part in the runs.

Strict dress-code

Manchester United come from behind to defeat Man City 2-1 AFP

Other than time-keeping, Ten Hag reportedly is very strict on dress code while on club business. Players are reportedly banned from wearing sliders. All players wear matching gear and trainers.

No mobile phones, strict meals

Ten Hag has also placed fixed meal times, rest periods for the players while at the training grounds. While on away trips use of mobile phones is forbidden.

Tougher trainings

This has been extended to the training grounds.

“While in training players are also often made to train on their weaker foot and tap-ins are frowned upon, with everyone told to make sure they hit the back of the net. No slacking, no half-measures”, Daily Mail reports.

The strict rules no-nonsense Erik Ten Hag has imposed at United since Ronaldo left

More from category

10 footballers whose careers were marked by jail terms

Match-fixing, guns and bloodshed putting Ugandan football under the spotlight

U-20 AFCON: Ladan Bosso counters Uganda allegation that Flying Eagles are overage

Recommended articles

Museveni hypes up Nakivubo Stadium epic revamp by young tycoon Ham