ERIK TEN HAG has refused to give in to senior Manchester United stars who asked for more time off amid workload and scheduling complaints, according to reports.
Ten Hag appeared to be facing a squad mutiny after reports emerged last week claiming half of the dressing room were no longer behind him.
And, following a 2-1 win over Chelsea, it has now been reported that Ten Hag has been fielding complaints from senior members of the squad regarding workload and scheduling.
According to the Daily Mail, the players’ leadership group have raised concerns about the limited number of rest days they have been given and the squad’s inability to plan time off.
Players are handed a weekly schedule by Ten Hag, who retains the right to change the schedule depending on results, though some stars want this schedule to be posted further ahead.
However, the report suggests that while Ten Hag has listened to his players concerns, he is refusing to budge.
The Dutchman’s stance is understood to come from his belief that the highest standards of dedication and sacrifice are required to play for Man Utd.
The leadership group in question is said to comprise of senior stars such as Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Tom Heaton.
Despite his refusal to compromise on these complaints – which not all senior stars have raised – the “vast majority” of the squad are said to be supportive of the manager.
While Ten Hag has refused to change the squad’s scheduling patterns, he has granted the occasional day off this season.
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Chelsea match-winner Scott McTominay also revealed that Ten Hag had made their training sessions less intense to help deal with the double-game week.
Speaking to Prime Video following the 2-1 win, McTominay said: “Obviously, the manager to be honest with you.
“The way that we’ve approached the game, a lot of light training sessions to keep energy, to keep fresh, and to keep going for the next game – because obviously they come really thick and fast.”
Personnel changes in the squad could also be forthcoming in the January transfer window.
Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Roy Keane and Ian Wright all agreed on eight stars who the club should ditch.
And if room is made in the squad, Man Utd will need to plug those gaps with some new recruits.
A supercomputer has named three of the best players who the Red Devils could sign next month to get their season back on track.
And it comes after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s top team paid a visit to Old Trafford ahead of the completion of his £1.3billion buy-in.
Man Utd take on Bournemouth in their next Premier League game on Saturday.