Ten Hag: It is my job to set the standards
Erik ten Hag believes that setting clear standards and not wavering from them is key to harnessing good culture and enjoying success at Manchester United.
The boss spoke to media on Friday at the club's Carrington training ground, ahead of the visit of Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday (15:00 BST).
Among the topics put to the Dutchman by the media were his methods of instilling the right culture behind the scenes, something that has gained a lot of attention since he took charge last year.
Erik says it is his duty to set the example that his players should follow, and enforce it when necessary.
Part one: Press conference v Brighton
Press conference part one | Erik was asked about Jadon Sancho, Antony, Harry Maguire and the latest team news...
"[Keeping] the straight line is not the point," he said, when asked about the Jadon Sancho situation. "The club asked me, because there was no good culture before I entered last season, to set some standards and that's what I did.
"It's my job to control the standards and, of course, it's never been when one person just makes one mistake, there is a whole process before you come to a certain outcome about straight lines.
"If staff, players, or whoever, there will always be a structure to cross lines. You have to be strong, absolutely."
Erik explained the reasoning behind such rules and standards, and why he allows none of his players to stray from the common goal.
''It's also you live with this generation about team construction, the group dynamic, but it is always about the team," he said.
"Team is ahead of everything else and, in the team, everyone plays a different role.
"[There are] different characters and you have to manage those characters, but also as I said, the team is always above anything else."