Bruno Fernandes was part way through a 13.8-kilometre run in 33-degree heat when he turned around and realised a man in his fifties was just behind him. Not just any 52-year-old, admittedly, but the Manchester United manager. It was an early sign of the iron resolve of Erik ten Hag, the man whose commitment to high standards extends to his own fitness. For Fernandes, who had considered his own future last season when he wondered if United’s ambitions extended beyond finishing fourth, it was a reassuring sight. Ten Hag was sharing the pain and sharing the blame after a terrible start to his reign.
United lost his first game in charge, 2-1 to Brighton. They lost his second, too, 4-0 to Brentford. Thomas Frank’s side had run 13.8 kilometres more than United. So Ten Hag cancelled his players’ day off, got them to run the ground they failed to cover in London and demonstrated he could do it himself.
