Ten Hag planned to use the unnamed player in a game
Erik ten Hag reportedly dropped a Manchester United player as punishment for twice turning up late to team meetings.
The Dutchman, who began his reign as Red Devils boss earlier this summer, is looking to change the fortunes at Old Trafford after a number of underwhelming seasons in recent years.
He has introduced a number of strict rules for the players to follow ahead of his first season in charge, and it appears that most of the squad – thus far – have brought into his strict discipline.
However, not everyone has been following the rules. According to The Athletic, one unnamed player ignored the new instructions and was late to team meetings on two occasions during the Red Devils’ pre-season tour of Asia and Australia.
📝 – During the 18-day trip, an #mufc player was twice late for meetings, Ten Hag had been planning to use him in a game but dropped him by way of punishment. He sees tardiness as a symptom of slipping standards and is very clear on what he will / won't accept. [@TheAthleticUK]
— UtdXclusive (@UtdXclusive) July 25, 2022
Erik ten Hag laying down early marker
The report states that Ten Hag had originally planned to use the player during a match, but instead opted to punish him by dropping him from the squad. The United boss is said view tardiness as a symptom of slipping standards.
It remains to be seen whether his new approach to discipline will have the desired impact, but United have so far enjoyed a positive pre-season tour – recording wins over Liverpool, Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace.
United did throw away a two-goal cushion against Aston Villa on Saturday though, with Steven Gerrard’s side coming from 2-0 down to earn a draw, with Leon Bailey grabbing a stoppage time equaliser.
Man United boss claims Aston Villa draw is a ‘lesson’
Ten Has has insisted that the players will have to learn a lesson from the game against Villa ahead of their opening Premier League match of the season against Brighton on August 7.
Speaking after the match, he said: “First half was a decent performance, 2-0 up, but, the second half, we came back out of the dressing room, we had control of the game and we gave it away. That’s not good so that is a lesson.”
🗣️ "There was a dip of focus […] no matter what we have to perform"
Erik Ten Hag reacts to his side's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa 🔴 pic.twitter.com/ivbQnOrQ8Q
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 23, 2022
“For the players, for the team,” Erik ten Hag added, “I think we make a lot of progress, a lot of positive aspects. I would say also, at the end, a setback, but it’s also part of the season, a season is not always going up, you also have to have setbacks and have to deal with it.
“They [the players] can have a lot of confidence because they are good but they only have to know we have to work hard and play as a team, then we will have good performances.”
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