Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, is under scrutiny as the club seeks a swift turn in form after a challenging run. The pressure to restore momentum has him balancing rigorous preparation with the daily demands of elite competition.
- The team started the 2023/24 season with uneven results
- Ten Hag is determined to implement changes and lift performance
- Staff at Carrington have observed an unusually early start to the day
WHAT HAPPENED? Reports indicate ten Hag begins his days at the club’s training complex in Carrington well before the sunrise. He is said to arrive early and stay late, a routine that extends beyond the players’ day. A source remarked that the manager’s commitment is clear, noting that his early arrivals have even caught the attention of security and kitchen staff. On certain afternoons he will briefly step away from the premises, but he typically returns, maintaining long hours in pursuit of better results and a stronger team structure.
THE BIG PICTURE: Ten Hag has addressed Marcus Rashford’s inconsistent form following a difficult 4-3 loss in midweek, a challenge echoed by several teammates striving for consistency. A narrow 1-0 victory over Luton did not settle concerns about whether United can close the gap to the teams above them. The club sits in sixth place, five points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, underscoring the ongoing task of climbing the table while navigating a congested fixture schedule.
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WHAT’S NEXT FOR UNITED? The hope is that the extended working hours translate into tangible results. With an international break on the horizon, ten Hag will have a few weeks to map out strategies that address fitness, tactics, and squad balance ahead of a demanding run in the Premier League and the Champions League. The focus remains on building resilience, sharpening execution, and restoring momentum to the campaign.