Erik ten Hag has been encouraged to try and form a closer relationship between the Manchester United fans and players as part of Steve McClaren's masterplan.
The Red Devils have made a positive start to pre-season, having won three of their four matches so far. They secured a 4-0 win over Liverpool in their first friendly in Singapore, before beating Melbourne Victory 4-1 and Crystal Palace 3-1 - with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial amongst those to impress.
However, United were dealt a late blow in their fourth pre-season game after conceding an injury-time equaliser to draw 2-2 with Aston Villa in Australia on Saturday. Sancho's first-half strike and a Matty Cash own-goal gave the Red Devils a two-nil lead at the break, however, Villa came out much brighter in the second-half. Leon Bailey scored their first before Calum Chambers headed home in the dying enviers.
With United showing many promising signs, assistant coach McClaren is seemingly keen on continuing the bond Sir Alex Ferguson had with the supporters. The former Red Devils boss won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues and countless other major honours during his 26-year stay in charge at Old Trafford.
According to the Athletic, following a recent pre-season training session, McClaren held the fort with the fans and encouraged Ten Hag to join him, which he did heartily as he begins to form a bond with them. United are still training in Australia ahead of returning back to Spain and England for matches against Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano next weekend.
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Despite all the support United have received, Harry Maguire appeared to be booed during the win over Palace in Melbourne, although he was warmly welcomed to an open training session. 5,000 spectators attended and chanted "Let's go Harry" during the session, while his name was also sung during matches by those in some pubs.
The Red Devils have tried to connect with some of those fans who are not able to attend to matches in England and bring them closer to the club while away on tour. They have travelled to two different countries and three different cities, and it is expected Ten Hag will try and connect the United fans even closer this season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer began to rebuild that relationship with the fans but it turned toxic towards the end as results did not go the Norwegians' way. Now, Ten Hag has the mantle to try and bring the feel good factor back with the supporters and McClaren will be hoping to convince him to be similar to Ferguson.
