Erik ten Hag has reportedly warned Manchester United’s stars that if they do not meet his demands, they will be replaced by academy players, according to reports.
In an email to all first-team players, the Dutchman appears to have laid out his expectations, stating that big egos will not be tolerated under his management.
Former interim head coach Ralf Rangnick struggled to manage a team filled with strong personalities, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Maguire, and Bruno Fernandes. Following his departure from Ajax, new manager Ten Hag is determined that this will not be an issue.
The 52-year-old reportedly warned players in a cutting email that training levels will be intense and their fitness will be the best it has ever been. Should senior players fail to meet Ten Hag’s high demands, the club’s FA Youth Cup-winning stars will be drafted in.
A first-team source allegedly 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. 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.”
