Erik ten Hag isn't pulling any punches in the early days of his Manchester United reign and has reportedly sent an email to the squad detailing his expectations, as he reminds them there's no room for egos.
The Dutchman has arrived from Ajax and is tasked with a major rebuild at Old Trafford over the coming years.
Last season's failings highlighted many of the club's flaws and they eventually missed out on Champions League football, finishing sixth.
Poor showings on the pitch were made worse by rumours of dressing room discontent and training ground bust ups. United's squad is full of quality names and big personalities - but Ten Hag has told them to put the team first or risk being replaced by a club youngster.
He has also talked up the need to be fit and promised to get them in top shape provided they back his methods. A source told The Sun : “The new gaffer sent the first-team players an email, telling them that football is a team game and no individual is more important than any other. His emphasis is all on the team — despite United possessing world class stars. He wants the players to train at a higher intensity so that each session is like a game.
“The players have been told that their fitness levels will be the best they have ever been and that if they stick with him and back him, they will be fine. If not, they will be out the door. They will be drilled and drilled until they get it right. And if they can’t he’ll replace them with some of the promising youngsters.”
Ten Hag gave little away during his first press conference as he assesses his squad - many of whom have failed to deliver on their promise at Old Trafford. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal have all been unable to achieve their goals in recent years.
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It is now claimed that Ten Hag may employ Sir Alex Ferguson like tactics to ensure he is able to be a success. A source added: “He’s going to be a bit like Sir Alex Ferguson was. Fergie knew absolutely everything about his players and didn’t suffer any fools gladly. Neither will Ten Hag.”
The Dutchman's immediate task will be shaping a squad that is grossly underperforming. The likes of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Raphael Varane were not producing their best last term with Ten Hag also needing to implement his own philosophy.
New recruits will be needed, especially in the middle of the park, with Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic both departing after their contracts expired whilst Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata have also left.
