During the 2024 summer tour, many new members of Man United's leadership also followed the players. Previously, Man United coaches often kept a distance from leadership groups such as CEOs or sporting directors on the training ground and rarely discussed. However, Erik ten Hag and this group are currently very close.
When Sir Dave Brailsford appointed Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox to two new leadership positions, the Ashworth - Wilcox - Ten Hag trio appeared very compatible. They often talk very in detail on the training ground. Wilcox and Ashworth often give Ten Hag a better exercise, which is a very different feature from the previous John Murtough and Richard Arnold.
One of Man United's biggest additions this season is Ruud van Nistelrooy. The former Dutch striker scored 150 goals in 219 appearances for the "Red Devils" when he was still playing football. Now, in a new role, Van Nistelrooy is expected to help the club's strikers improve their already poor finishing skills.
When Van Nistelrooy appeared on the training ground and on the US field, many "Red Devils" fans shouted his name as if he had scored on the Premier League pitch. Van Goal's appeal has not changed at all.
Man United's training style has also changed compared to previous friendly matches. In each session, Ten Hag divided the team into 3 groups of 8 people in orange, black and yellow shirts. The first exercise is to overcome the opponent's obstacle by coordinating in groups. Next, the players will practice weaving the ball and stacking the edges together, next finding the fastest way to put the ball into the penalty area.
Van Nistelrooy requires players to keep the same speed from the beginning to the end of each small exercise, not allowing to reduce the intensity. In the first two days in the US, the person who left the most impression on the training ground was Marcus Rashford. "Doctor" plays easily and scores sharply. He showed a positive spirit and fitness after a full summer break from playing EURO 2024.
Not only Marcus Rashford, many other names also showed their excitement such as Scott McTominay, Amad Diallo, Antony and Jadon Sancho. They are all players who were doubted after a season of many incidents, but what is left behind now is a smile and excitement to work together towards the 2024-2025 campaign.
In addition to Van Nistelrooy, Ten Hag has appointed a new member of the coaching staff, Jelle ten Rouwelaar. Tenwel Rouar has replaced Richard Hartis to take on the role of goalkeeper coach. Commenting on the new member of the coaching staff, Tom Heaton said that the goalkeepers really like the new coaching style of the 43-year-old coach. It brings many unique features that have never been seen before. In particular, joy is a priority of Ten Rouwelaar that is no less important than professional exercises.
After deciding to continue with Erik ten Hag, INEOS with the head Sir Jim Ratcliffe did not show any signs of reluctance. They focus all the conditions on the Dutch strategist to do their best work. A difficult new season is ahead and it is not known how far Man United will go. However, everything is going well for now.
