MANCHESTER UNITED fans are hopeful the club are heading back to the Sir Alex Fergurson days due to Erik ten Hag’s strict rules.
The manager has developed a reputation for his meticulous attention to detail and strong discipline since taking over at Old Trafford last summer.
SplashErik ten Hag has installed tough rules in pre-season[/caption]
Fans believe his strict regime is similar to Sir Alex Ferguson’sGetty
And the levels have gone up during Man Utd‘s pre-season tour of the US with Ten Hag even caring which colour socks players and staff wear.
To ensure professional standards are maintained every day, the group are emailed about dress code the night before, even down to whether it is black or white socks.
Ten Hag has also banned flip-flops from the changing room.
The squad also must eat breakfast together and no mobile phones are allowed at the dining table or in team meetings to encourage focus and bonding.
Co-owner Avram Glazer turned up to watch a training session in New Jersey but with Ten Hag’s eyes only on the new season, the manager gave him a brief handshake before turning his attention to the squad.
The Mail report the 53-year-old even demanded the days set aside for commercial and marketing activity was reduced from three to two.
It shortened the tour allowing for players to be given a longer holiday after a long and tough previous campaign.
Ten Hag put on double sessions when they players returned to Carrington with staff dubbing it “hell week“.
DREAM TEAM IS LIVE – JOIN NOW TO BATTLE FOR THE £50k TOP PRIZE
But he was more relaxed in the US, giving his squad a rare day off before their clash with Borussia Dortmund.
Ten Hag is keen to prevent injury and improve player health with the sport science team making players wear blood glucose monitors and sweat patches to track hydration.
Diet is also vital with chef Omar Meziane employed since his arrival, who previously worked with England’s cricket team and rugby side Harlequins.
Psychologists and nutritionist have also been with the team in America.
Man Utd fans love Ten Hag‘s strictness and attention to detail, one said: “When you know what you want, how to get it and totally focus on it, you make strategic measures to achieve it. No wonder we are seeing so much cohesion on the pitch.
Another added: “Reminiscent of the GOAT Sir Alex… definitely bodes well.. .can’t wait for Ten Hag’s vision of this team to come together.”
A third added: “This is not micro managing. Also discipline and good attitude breeds good mentality.”
Ten Hag’s attention to detail has been prominent ever since he joined United, demanding groundsmen cut the grass to exactly 15mm.
He also gifted players a de-icer to clear car windscreens after a midweek draw to Crystal Palace as temperatures dropped to -3C to ensure players could get to bed sooner and not wait around in the cold.
Ahead of their Carabao Cup win, the boss ditched the sponsored suits players normally wear pre-finals as it would haven taken too much time to change and ruin their pre-match routine.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag has banned booze, while personal chefs are not encouraged and there are big punishments for lateness.
Marcus Rashford was dropped to the bench for a clash versus Wolves last season for oversleeping and missing a meeting.
Cristiano Ronaldo was also banished from the first-team after throwing a strop due to not being subbed on against Tottenham.
Ten Hag additionally dragged players in for an extra 8.5 mile run after losing 4-0 to Brentford last season.
And after United lost 7-0 to Liverpool he furiously told his squad they were lucky to be going home on the team bus before pulling them in for training early the morning after as he showed his no-nonsense approach.
GettyPlayers have been involved in gruelling pre-season training sessions[/caption]
GettyErik ten Hag tells his players what to wear, ditching suits before the Carabao Cup final[/caption]
MAN UTD TAKEOVER NEWS LIVE: Stay up to date with all the latest purchase and transfer news from Old Trafford