Erik ten Hag's first training session as Man Utd boss
Erik ten Hag has decided to make building dressing room spirit at Manchester United a priority after being briefed about leaks, according to reports. The 52-year-old will be hoping to build a dynasty at Old Trafford, just like Sir Alex Ferguson did. And Steve McClaren will supposedly be key when it comes to achieving this objective.
Ten Hag has already made a positive impression on United players, having taken training for the first time this week.
And ESPN say the Dutchman has been informed about the leaks that have plagued the club over the past 12 months under both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
United’s season ended with a whimper last term - they won just three of their final 14 games - and the publication claim the Red Devils hierarchy believe this was down to a ‘distrust’ that existed within members of the squad.
Ten Hag has now been informed about the incidents that unfolded.
And the former Ajax boss has responded by choosing to prioritise building a dressing room spirit as he looks to be a Premier League success.
It’s claimed McClaren will be asked to act ‘as a bridge between the players and management’ in order to avoid things becoming sour.
Man Utd news: Erik ten Hag will rely on Steve McClaren to help control the dressing room (Image: GETTY)
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He’s been leading the sessions at Carrington, in stark contrast to when Solskjaer would rule the roost.
While Ten Hag has immersed himself in training, Solskjaer would often watch on from the sidelines while delegating responsibilities to the likes of Michael Carrick, Kieran McKenna and Mike Phelan.
And he has also ‘laid down the law’ to players by making them return from their holidays a week ahead of schedule.
It’ll now be fascinating to see how United fare under the Dutchman, who is their fifth permanent boss since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
David Moyes lasted just 10 months after replacing the Scot, despite being given a six-year contract.
Louis van Gaal spent two years in the dugout and won the FA Cup but, in 2016, was relieved of his duties following a failure to qualify for the Champions League.