Man United boss Erik ten Hag lays down a leadership marker in an email – he won’t tolerate big egos 

Ajax coach Erik ten Hag
Ajax coach Erik ten Hag | Photo Credit: IMAGO

New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly told his players what his leadership style will be in an email.

The former Ajax boss, who is famed for his no-nonsense approach to leadership, has laid down the law to his players with an email outlining what he is expecting from them under his leadership.

Man United have struggled in recent times and have become a shadow of the side that conquered English Premier League under Sir Alex Ferguson. With former managers often taken for granted by some players, Ten Hag has set about stamping his authority early. He is looking to change the culture at the club, which has not been right since the departure of Ferguson.

According to The Sun, the new boss has begun to do so through an email which was sent to first-team players.

A source told them: “The new gaffer sent the first-team players an email, telling them that football is a team game and no individual is more important than any other.

“His emphasis is all on the team — despite United possessing world-class stars. He wants the players to train at a higher intensity so that each session is like a game.

“The players have been told that their fitness levels will be the best they have ever been and that if they stick with him and back him, they will be fine.

“If not, they will be out the door. They will be drilled and drilled until they get it right. And if they can’t, he’ll replace them with some of the promising youngsters.’

Ten Hag has overseen a clear-out of sorts already at United, with out-of-contract stars such as Jesse Lingard, Paul Pogba, and Juan Mata bidding farewell to Old Trafford.