Erik ten Hag ‘rejects demand’ from senior Man Utd players

Erik ten Hag has rejected the demands of Manchester United's senior players, a fresh report has claimed.

On Wednesday Scott McTominay scored twice at Old Trafford as United claimed a crucial 2-1 win against Chelsea that eased the pressure on Ten Hag.

The victory saw the hosts move up to sixth spot, while the visitors remain 10th.

It was a crucial win for Ten Hag, amid various reports on Monday claiming he had lost factions of the dressing room, with players questioning his playing style and treatment of Jadon Sancho.

Though Ten Hag subsequently denied suggestions of player unrest, The Mail Online reported after the Chelsea victory that Ten Hag has fielded several complaints from members of the players’ leadership group in recent weeks over their workload.

One of the United players’ gripes is allegedly over the limited number of rest days they are given and the squad’s inability to plan their time off.

United’s players are allegedly given a weekly training schedule by Ten Hag, who also reserves the right to make changes to it depending on results. Some players, however, want to be able to plan their week with further notice.

United’s leadership group is said to feature several senior players including Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, Raphael Varane, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and reserve goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

However, the Mail’s reports stressed not all of them have complained, with the vast majority of the squad supportive of the manager.

Ten Hag allegedly listened to his players' concerns but was “uncompromising” in stating that the “highest standards of dedication and sacrifice” are needed to play for a club of United’s standing and that his playing staff should be prepared to put their bodies on the line.

While Ten Hag is said to have granted occasional extra days off this term, he is convinced that the Premier League is becoming more physically demanding, and makes no apologies for the demands he makes of his players.

United declined to comment on the Mail’s report of the claims.

SPORTbible have also approached United for comment on the matter.

Topics: Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United, Chelsea, Premier League, Football

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.