Sancho reveals what Ten Hag is like at training
Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho has provided a fascinating insight into Erik ten Hag’s attention to detail during a revealing interview with Premier League Productions.
Sancho and the Reds have been training intensely with minds fixed on winning three points, and everybody feels they have a point to prove after the shock of our opening-day defeat to Brighton.
The loss was a setback, but Ten Hag is planning for the long-term and with a meticulous eye for detail the Dutchman is confident of being successful.
When asked what the manager is like as a character, Jadon is quick to point out his passion for team building, but also stresses “some things are not allowed”.
Sancho: Some things are not allowed
Speaking to Premier League Productions, Jadon Sancho provides a fascinating insight into Erik ten Hag's demands...
Speaking to PLP, Sancho says: “He's a great person, he's fun to be around, but when it's on the training pitch everyone knows that he's a serious guy. If you do something wrong, he won't shout at you, but he will tell you what to do right and practice makes perfect.
“He is definitely intense. As you could probably see in the pre-season, let's say we're doing attack v defence, and the defence score, then the attackers have to do press-ups. He is showing us that some things are not allowed and especially on transition play. We’re all taking that in and taking it in well.”
Ten Hag has already made several small but hopefully impactful changes to our matchday routine, including the squad arriving much earlier for home games at Old Trafford. Against Brighton, for example, the players reported to the stadium three hours before kick-off.
“Everyone was together, team bonding, and that was one of his big things coming in, about team bonding, and I think it's okay,” says Jadon. “Everyone is working well together and everyone likes it.
“The chemistry within the team is very important. Everyone has to be happy with themselves and interacting with each other on and off the pitch. It does play a key part in how we play on the pitch. Again, that will take time, but it will come good.”
Sancho was one of our standout performers during the summer and, with a full pre-season under his belt, he is excited to produce his best form in a United shirt.
Impressing our supporters and bringing success back to the club is his main priority, but he also has his eyes on a certain tournament in Qatar and winning his place back in the England squad.
“Obviously the World Cup is coming up and I know I have to perform to be within and around the England squad,” explains the United forward.
“To get selected, we have a lot of great players that are coming up, so I know it is going to be difficult, but that is what football is for. You have to work hard and show what you can do on the pitch to get moments like that.”
Brentford v United kicks off at 17:30 BST.