Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United era is officially underway after a group of players reported to Carrington for the first time of his maiden pre-season.
The Dutchman has been waiting in the wings to meet his players face-to-face, having been in situ since the end of last season. Ten Hag was in attendance for United’s final game of a dismal season, which saw them record their lowest ever Premier League points tally.
He was hoping to have a number of new arrivals through the door by the time testing got underway at their training base, but has endured a frustrating start to the window. But focus was able to shift on those already at his disposal, with a number conducting fitness tests on Monday ahead of sessions starting later in the week.
And Ten Hag - who has been given a remit of rebuilding United from the ground up - has wasted no time in introducing changes to the training ground. Here are four things the returning Red Devils can expect in the coming weeks and months.
GRASS LENGTH
After his appointment, ten Hag insisted on having the grass on the pitches at United's Carrington training complex cut to 15mm, to allow for quicker passing. Ten Hag is understood to have got his wish, with ground staff having cut the grass on the pitches down to his requested length.
DINING TOGETHER
Under interim boss Ralf Rangnick, players were allowed to eat where and when they wanted at the training ground, while some ate away from the training ground after their session had finished.
Ten Hag wants all of the players and staff to eat together, at the same time in the training ground canteen, to aid bonding and team spirit.
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TRAINING DRILLS
Like former United boss and fellow Dutchman Louis van Gaal, Ten Hag believes in “training the brain”. He instils particular training drills, such as 11 against zero games, which are designed to ensure every player knows their role and what they have to do within the team structure, as well as sharpening up their technical skills.
DOUBLE SESSIONS
Ten hag brought forward the start of pre-season training by a week, to ensure his players are in peak physical condition for the new season and to implement the high-energy style of play he demands.
Once players have completed their fitness checks after the first two days back, ten Hag is said to have ordered double training sessions, to make sure his players are as fit as they can possibly be ahead of the pre-season tour and new campaign.
