The Dutchman, 52, is the manager chosen by Manchester United to lead their rebuild. While his first transfer window got off to a slow start, progress has been made on many fronts. Indeed, Tyrell Malacia became Ten Hag’s first recruit when he arrived from Feyenoord. A deal is in place to sign free agent Christian Eriksen and United have reportedly persuaded him to break a promise he made to Spurs chairman Daniel Levy. However, the latest from the Mirror shows that Ten Hag has been tasked with dealing with a different type of issue – information leaks. Leaks from within the camp have blighted the management of several United managers. Stories of player discontent, training ground unrest, dissatisfaction with training methods and dissatisfaction with the club’s recruitment have found their way into the media at various times. The problem was recently addressed by United CEO Richard Arnold during a pub meeting with fans. Arnold claimed that “the two sources of the leaks have now left the club”, although he did not name names.
Heavy penalties await offenders
Whether this solved the problem, only time will tell. But if it stands, the Mirror Ten Hag report will impose savage punishments on any offender, no matter who they are. The newspaper says that Ten Haag “will not tolerate” any betrayal of trust. In practice, this will result in players never playing for Ten Hag again if they are found to have leaked confidential information. Those who show up late will be withdrawn, while stricter rules have been put in place regarding diets and fitness programmes.
Ten Haag makes all the right noises
United’s squad has been painfully underwhelming since Ferguson retired. Trophies have been won, although the two majors of the Premier League and Champions League have eluded them. In addition, United are now out of the final competition for the second time in four years. Jose Mourinho has sought to address the perceived problem of player strength in the dressing room. He dealt with the high-profile Paul Pogba, although the Frenchman ultimately edged out the Portuguese by some distance. Rio Ferdinand previously claimed that the manager who succeeded Ralf Rangnick must have the strength of personality to handle the United job. Early rumblings from Ten Haag suggest he fits that bill.
