New Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag is wasting no time in making his mark on the team. Although the players have only returned for pre-season training on Monday, the Dutchman has made a big change that reminds a lot of the club’s icon Sir Alex Ferguson.Just as it was when the legendary Scot managed the Red Devils, players are now required to report for training before 09.00 hours, half an hour earlier than what they’ve gotten used to in the past. Even though the former Ajax coach is facing a mammoth task to get United challenging for trophies again, this first step was greeted with approval by the fanbase. After all, if you want to win games like Sir Alex, you should train like Sir Alex.Erik ten Hag arriving at Carrington this morning #mulive [@samuelluckhurst] pic.twitter.com/896wm62OSK— utdreport (@utdreport) June 28, 2022 Ten Hag arrived by car at Manchester United’s training centre just after 08.00, but his assistant Steve McClaren, who was also Ferguson’s right-hand man between 1999 and 2001, arrived at 07.45. There is a lot of work to do.Players used to report for training at 10.00 during the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reign. The Norwegian’s approach was deemed far too soft by Manchester Evening News’ dressing room sources.Ten Hag gained the reputation of a strict disciplinarian during his time at the helm of Ajax. Few could argue with his approach, though, as the Amsterdam club dominated the Eredivisie, and managed to punch above their weight in the Champions League while developing young players into world-class players.19.00: (1.63) Ajax (4.40) SV Meppen (3.90)The players started their maiden shift under the new manager with medical tests, as per the usual routine for the first day back, and continued working in the gym before moving out to the grass pitches. Ten Hag held meetings with the players and staff throughout the day and addressed his training group – which comprised players from both the first-team and Under-21 squads – for several minutes at the start of the main session.Former United defender Wes Brown believes that this week will be more difficult than usual for the squad because the players will be trying to impress their new gaffer.”The first week includes a lot of running. You know it’s going to be hard. The legs are going to be sore. But it is a completely new manager. It might not be the first time that some of them have met him, but it will be for others, so it’ll be an interesting week. I think it will be a very tough week for the lads.”Erik ten Hag, how’s your touch? 👀 pic.twitter.com/meih9aDq5v— ManUtd Photos (@ManUtdPhotos) June 27, 2022 Sir Alex Ferguson won 13 titles, five FA Cups and two Champions Leagues during his 26 years at Old Trafford. You could say that Ten Hag has picked an exemplary role model.
