Erik ten Hag, manager of Man United, is notorious for never settling for anything less than the best.
Former winger Lee Sharpe has issued a warning to Manchester United’s players, stating that anyone failing to comply with Erik ten Hag’s requests this season will be immediately dropped from the Dutchman’s plans.
Ten Hag was appointed United manager back in April with the intention of replacing Ralf Rangnick prior to the start of this season. On Sunday, he witnessed his team’s preseason preparations come to an end with a 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford.
Even though there haven’t been many new recruits to the team, the former Ajax manager hasn’t wasted any time making changes to M16.
United played brilliant, forward-thinking, and attractive football in their first three games, but they closed their preseason schedule with a bit of a limp, losing all three of their final friendlies.
In anticipation of Sunday’s Premier League start against Brighton, there is some optimism at Old Trafford thanks to the players’ acceptance of Ten Hag’s techniques.
Ten Hag’s first significant test will occur this weekend, despite the fact that United’s preseason has, on the whole, been positive. It will be his first competitive game in charge and the first time he has chosen a starting lineup in which poor play could draw harsh criticism from him and the supporters.
In addition, Sharpe, who wore United colors from 1988 to 1996, asserts that because to Ten Hag’s reputation as a strict disciplinarian, anyone who does not do their assigned duties runs the possibility of being fired from the team.
Ten Hag has a system and requires compliance, “Sharpe, speaking on behalf of 888sport to the Daily Star. “Everyone will be made aware of their position on the team, and if they are not performing it, they won’t be allowed to play.
“The fact that he comes from a team like Ajax that advanced to a Champions League semifinal by scoring a lot of goals makes it clear that he likes to score goals. He is now making some great signings. Everything is now going well, so let’s see how things develop.”
United are predicted to contend for a top-four spot this year, but it will be a difficult effort because every team that finished above them last year has improved their rosters.
It is, in the opinion of many, far too early to contemplate United as a title competitor because Liverpool and Manchester City are anticipated to take the lead in the race for the crown.
Can United get up to City and Liverpool, Sharpe continued? Isn’t that the million-dollar question?
“Certainly, you can notice a change in the first few games. The group is exerting more effort and taking the initiative. I saw a central midfielder play a first-time ball straight over the top and turn the team around in the Liverpool game for the first time; that hasn’t happened in a while.”
