Manchester United are currently in the midst of their first pre-season under Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman is attempting to get the Red Devils suitably prepared for their first Premier League match of the season with a number of pre-season clashes already having come and gone. After another success against Crystal Palace last time out, their next assignment is another Premier League side in the form of Aston Villa at the weekend.
Ahead of that game, United hosted an open training session at Perth’s famous WACA Ground. With that being said, here are a few things Mirror Sport spotted from the side’s latest venture onto the training pitch.
Ten Hag’s fury at youngster
Ever since Ten Hag arrived at Man Utd, he was expected to start implementing a possession-based style of play. That has certainly been evident from the Red Devils’ first few friendlies.
The Dutchman is continuing to push that style in training with youngster Zidane Iqbal on the harsh end of his new manager’s disappointment when things did not quite go as planned in Perth. Ten Hag urged the academy graduate to “keep the ball” and when he didn’t do that, he was left incensed.
He was pictured bellowing the words “f****** rubbish” at Iqbal before the training session continued.
Where do you think Man Utd will finish in the Premier League this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Concentration a buzzword
One aspect that let the Red Devils down throughout large swaths of the 2021/22 season under Ralf Rangnick was an array of individual mistakes. It appears that Ten Hag is attempting to eliminate those errors.
During clips of the training staff, the Dutchman and his coaching staff were regularly heard shouting “concentrate” at the squad during various small-sided games. That message will likely be continued to be hammered home until between now and the end of the season.
Whether that bears the fruit for the Red Devils with regards to the Premier League table remains to be seen.
Varane back in full training
One big boost that the side have received ahead of their clash with Aston Villa is last summer’s marquee defensive signing Raphael Varane returning to contention.
The Frenchman has missed the last two pre-season games with a small niggle but is now back in full training. Varane had a somewhat inconsistent first season at Old Trafford so will be hoping that he can continue improving his fitness ahead of the big kick-off in just over a fortnights’ time.
Boo boys silent for Maguire
Varane’s defensive colleague - Harry Maguire - has endured a strange pre-season schedule. The Red Devils’ skipper has started in each of the last two games and was on the end of some questionable boos against Crystal Palace last time out.
The former Leicester City man eventually managed to get supporters onside at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with an accomplished showing - albeit against a depleted Palace line-up.
With fans allowed to be in attendance for the latest training session, there was plenty of intrigue over whether Maguire’s reception would be as hostile. Thankfully, the England man was welcomed with open arms as he received a cheer and applause from supporters - the defender then finding time to recognise their support with a thumbs up.
Martial looking to continue hot form
One of the Red Devils’ standout players so far ahead of the season has been French striker Anthony Martial. The former Monaco man was sent out on loan to Sevilla during the second-half of last-term and endured a miserable time in Spain.
As a result, he was expected to leave Old Trafford permanently this summer. His performances might well see Erik ten Hag change his mind.
With Martial having netted in each of his last three games, the striker was seen sharpening his shooting boots once more and will be hopeful of that work seeing him able to find the back of the net once more against Aston Villa.
Fernandes the joker
Whilst there is of course a serious nature to the Red Devils’ pre-season trip to Australia, there is still time for a few jovial moments. Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes appears to be one of those to be bringing the fun to the Red Devils’ camp.
He was pictured sharing jokes with the likes of Martial, David de Gea and more members of the Red Devils’ squad. It’s certainly a encouraging sign to see the the squad surrounded by such positivity ahead of Ten Hag’s first campaign in charge.
