Erik ten Hag sets out five ground rules at Manchester United

After five winless seasons, fallen Premier League giants Manchester United are keen to return to their former heights under the stewardship of Erik ten Hag.

Former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his interim successor Ralf Rangnick guided the Red Devils to an underwhelming sixth-place finish last season, with their worst points total during the Premier League era.

Dressing-room leaks and the team’s disheartening on-field showings have led to Man United’s longest title drought in the 21st century, putting more pressure on ten Hag.

The Dutch manager, known for his meticulous approach and strict disciplinary regulations, has already set out a few ground rules that he expects Man United players to adhere to next season.

Per the Daily Mirror, ten Hag has informed the Red Devils’ squad of five basic rules he wants them to follow as he aims to assert control as soon as possible.

During his trophy-laden spell at Ajax, the 52-year-old became famous for his hardline measures and micro-management of his players, something he now hopes to instill at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag has already established new training methods at United’s Carrington training complex as part of his effort to enhance his team’s passing and overall off-the-ball movements.

However, he is aware that restoring the Red Devils to their former glories requires his players to live and breathe like one, which does not only apply to their on-field chemistry.

In order to bring back unity and discipline, something that has so often lacked in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, ten Hag wants his side to accept a series of strict off-field rules.

According to the latest reports, the Dutchman has warned his Man United players not to leak dressing-room information as it will result in an immediate exile.

Commitment and conscientiousness are key ingredients for success in any business, and ten Hag expects his players to arrive for training and team meetings on time.

Ten Hag has explained to his squad that regardless of their reputation if they are late for the team gatherings, any of them will be at risk of being dropped.

Another significant rule relates to the consumption of alcohol, as ten Hag insists none of his players are allowed to drink during match weeks to ensure their fitness level stays at its peak.

Cohesion within the group is another influential part of the Dutch coach’s philosophy, and he sees meal times as the best way to bring his men close to each other.

But rather than letting his players employ their own personal catering staff to cook for them, he is keen for the same chef to prepare meals for the entire squad.

Ten Hag’s idea of overhauling the menu will include fish and vegetables more often than before, with all players expected to check their Body Mass Index monthly.

With the new manager’s ground rules already laid down, the Man United squad prepares to take a trip to Asia to kick off their off-season preparations.

The Red Devils will get their 2022/23 warm-up fixtures underway against old foes Liverpool in Thailand on July 12 before moving to Australia to meet Melbourne Victory, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

Ten Hag’s men will then return to Europe to play Atletico Madrid in Oslo and welcome Rayo Vallecano to Old Trafford for their final summer friendly.