Manchester United have had an issue with dressing room leaks for a while, but now they are ramping up their efforts to crack down on these leaks.
Just last month, CEO Richard Arnold told a group of fans in a pub that two dressing room leaks have now left the club.
Now, as reported by ESPN’s Rob Dawson, the club are cracking down on these even further having told players that disagreements must be kept and solved within the confines of the club.
The report adds that Manchester United have encouraged their players to be more open in their interviews off the pitch.
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This is a welcome move as it gives fans a greater insight into the game and some of the things that go on behind the scenes. But any disagreements between players and/or coaches must be kept under wraps.
This order has been extended to the families and agents of the players.
It was only recently when Jesse Lingard's brother posted an Instagram post where he criticised the club for not giving the midfielder a send off in the final home game of the season.
Culture is key to success, and United’s culture last season was not a good one.
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Leaks of various disagreements between players and coaches in training, in the locker rooms and more were constant, and the club want to restore the togetherness within the squad.
They want to create a culture where players are there to support each other and make each other better individuals.
Steve McClaren recently spoke about ‘cultural architects’ and how he will be looking to identify who these are at Manchester United early on.
McClaren’s role will be a key one, as he will be acting as a bridge between the players and the management staff to solve any potential issues which may arise.
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McClaren was a coach at United in their most successful of days, and his experience will be vital. His experience in Dutch football, and history with Ten Hag, makes him a shrewd appointment.
Whilst McClaren has contributed in training, it is Erik ten Hag who has been in charge of leading drills. His hands-on, highly-detailed approach to training is something that the club has not seen since his fellow countryman Louis van Gaal was in the Old Trafford hot seat.
The report suggests this is a welcome change from the players, with those who returned this week being left impressed by Ten Hag’s sessions.
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Across the last few years, under both Solskjær and Rangnick in his interim reign, reports often gave off the image that players were left underwhelmed by the coaching they received in training, and Ten Hag is already taking steps to rectify this.
Coming from Ajax, a club where the culture is central to everything and the style of play is greatly emphasised, Ten Hag had a big job on his hands to replicate his success there.
These early reports suggest that he is doing everything right so far, and as more of his players return and new ones come in, the only way looks to be up for him.
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Jesse Lingard, Steve McClaren, Football, Premier League