Erik ten Hag ‘orders specific grass measurements’ and strict eating plan

Ten Hag also wants the players to eat together and socialise after training

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly issued specific orders to his training ground staff in an attempt to encourage his players to practice slick passing during pre-season. The Red Devils will return to training at Carrington on Monday, June 27, and in a bid to incorporate on-ball drills during the opening sessions, the Dutchman is said to have told staff members to trim the grass to exactly 15mm, so that the players can quickly get up to speed with his passing demands. While Ten Hag is keen to measure the overall fitness of his players during the first two days of training, plans to test their stamina will be done with passing drills rather than fitness exercises, according to the Mirror.

Ten Hag keen to improve team spirit

The former Ajax boss is also keen for the squad to eat together and socialise after training in an attempt to improve the team spirit in the dressing room.

Ex-United chief Alex Ferguson made similar demands during his tenure at Old Trafford, however, this culture has since disappeared within the camp.

Several players have become accustomed to eating in the staff restaurant, going home or to the gym straight after a training session. Now, though, Ten Hag and his backroom staff will accompany the players during meal-times.

United will travel to Australia and southeast Asia in July as part of their pre-season campaign, where Ten Hag's side will face off against Liverpool in Bangkok first, before travelling to Melbourne to play Crystal Palace. The Red Devils end the tour against Aston Villa in Perth.

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