Erik ten Hag has laid down the law to his Manchester United players with a series of strict rules ahead of the new season.
United embark on a two-and-a-half-week tour of Thailand and Australia on Friday, with new boss ten Hag having warned his players they will pay a heavy price if they step out of line. Ten Hag, known for his meticulous approach and micro-management of his players, has set out a series of ground rules that he expects United's players to follow.
The Dutch coach, an arch disciplinarian in the mould of legendary former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, has sought to assert control immediately by bringing his squad into line. United finished last season in sixth place, with their worst points total of the Premier League era, as dressing-room leaks and cliques within the squad saw the campaign implode.
Ten Hag has sought to address those off-field issues, as well as United's problems on the pitch, by introducing a series of hardline measures to bring back unity and discipline to the Old Trafford club. United's players have been told they will be exiled by ten Hag if he finds any of them are leaking dressing-room information, which had been a problem for every boss in the post-Ferguson era.
The 52-year-old Dutchman has also told United's players they will be dropped if they are late for training or team meetings, no matter who they are, with reputations counting for nothing.
United's players have also been told they are not allowed to drink alcohol during match weeks, to ensure they are in peak condition when it comes to playing.
What rules would you add for Man Utd players to abide by? Have your say here
Ten Hag is said to want the same chefs preparing meals for United's players, rather than them employing their own personal catering staff to cook for them. United's newly-appointed boss has also overhauled the menu at United's Carrington training complex, with fish and vegetables featuring more prominently than before.
Each United player has had a custom-made diet plan drawn up and will have their Body Mass Index (BMI) checked monthly to make sure they are staying in shape.
Despite his tough stance on so many issues, ten Hag has also told his players to come and see him if they have any problems, rather than going to their agents.
The former Ajax boss wants to develop a strong bond with United's players, believing reciprocal trust and respect is one of the key factors behind any successful team.
United fly to Thailand on Friday, for the start of their summer tour, facing arch rivals Liverpool in Bangkok on Tuesday.
After that they fly to Australia to take on Melbourne Victory and Crystal Palace in Melbourne, before finishing the tour against Aston Villa in Perth.
