Erik ten Hag has urged his Manchester United players not to lose their concentration and discipline in the run up to the World Cup by sticking to his strict rules.
The Red Devils have at least nine fixtures in all competitions to play before the Premier League is brought to a halt in November to allow the international tournament to take place - starting with Sunday's Premier League game against Newcastle at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag has a reputation for being a strict manager. Previous reports suggest players must turn up for training and meetings on time, and they aren't allowed to use phones during meals. He reportedly wants his players to be professional both on and off the pitch.
As such, Ten Hag is urging his players not to be complacent. When asked how important it is for the players to stick to his strict rules by United's website, the manager said: ''Definitely [important] now bigger games are coming up, you have to be concentrated.
"In possession, I talk about principles, so there is freedom. But in defending, there is rules - there is no ifs and buts, you have to be 100 per cent concentrated and disciplined to fulfil those rules. If you are not, you get punished. We want to avoid that.''
Ten Hag's side have a lot to play for between now and the World Cup. They're fifth in the Premier League - one point behind Chelsea in fourth - and would like to be placed safely inside the top four when the international action starts on November 20.
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In terms of the Europa League, United are second in their group - three points behind Real Sociedad - and need a point from their last two games to progress. They'd prefer two wins, though, as the group winners go into the last 16 and runners-up go into the last 32.
And let's not forget about the EFL Cup. United have a tricky third-round tie against Aston Villa to contend with on November 10. Although that tournament is not a priority, it still presents Ten Hag with a great opportunity to win silverware early in his tenure.
Newcastle will be a difficult game for the Red Devils, as Eddie Howe's side are sixth in the table. The Saudi-backed club can leapfrog United with victory at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon - and Ten Hag is fully aware of the threat their guests pose.
''That is clear," he added when asked about Newcastle's quality. "Not only about the defence, it’s about defending with 11 players and we need the right organisation, we need the intensity, and we need the right mentality to fight for each other.
"Everyone has to take the responsibility to do the positioning well, anticipating well - especially also in battles, you have to go for it, you have to win them.''
On Ten Hag's strict rules, Bruno Fernandes said in July: "I think we missed that for a while. For me, the way I see discipline is important. Discipline is not only the way you play on the pitch, the position that you have, what you have to do. It's also off the pitch."
