Man United star Scott McTominay reveals what Erik ten Hag did in training to mastermind 2-1 win over Chelsea and bounce back from ‘abysmal’ Newcastle defeat
- Reports suggest that a number of players have become disillusioned with Erik Ten Hag.
- The Red Devils have played four times in the last 12 days, winning just twice.
- Manchester United have snakes in the dressing room, players who don’t run. Bruce, Robson, Keane would never allow this… It all begins
Scott McTominay was the hero of the day with a double volley against Chelsea on Wednesday night, but the Scotland international was quick to praise coach Erik ten Hag for his training tweak ahead of the game.
United have come under fire in recent weeks for their inconsistent form which has seen them struggle in games, notably giving up a 2-0 lead at Galatasaray and struggling at Newcastle.
Before the win over the Blues, United had won only five of their previous 10 games, lost four and drawn once, and their inconsistent form had left them struggling for mobility.
However, the Red Devils produced a much better performance at home against Chelsea at Old Trafford, with McTominay scoring twice in a 2-1 win.
And the hero who scored the goal immediately paid tribute to the change in his coach in preparation before the game in order to begin to get rid of some problematic form.
Scott McTominay scored twice in Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Chelsea on Wednesday night.
The Scottish midfielder praised his team’s “energy” thanks to Erik ten Hag’s training adjustments.
“Obviously the manager, to be honest.” McTominay told Prime Video after the game when asked that the hat had changed before the match.
“The way we approached the game was a lot of light training to keep the energy up, keep it fresh and keep going for the next game – because obviously they come very intense and fast.
“But for us it’s a night that we should be happy about and that we can build on.
“We started very, very well in the game and obviously the fans are very happy with the way we started and responded after a pretty terrible performance against Newcastle to be honest.
“All the boys were so upset with the way we handled the game, it wasn’t nearly good enough and for us to come here and win tonight was a plus and something we can build on.”
It was a double game week for most Premier League teams, with eight games taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday and a further two on Thursday.
So there was no respite for these teams competing in Europe, with United now playing four games in 11 days and playing their next game just three days after beating Chelsea.
McTominay’s public support for his manager’s efforts comes amid speculation that some of the team’s players are growing increasingly frustrated.
Sky Sports reported that the Dutchman had lost half his dressing room due to his strict training methods and tactical approach.
The Red Devils have taken to the field four times in 12 days and will play again on Saturday.
Chelsea are still without a win at Old Trafford since May 2013 after Wednesday’s defeat.
They claim that players are unhappy with their playing style, that they feel they train “too hard” and run too much in training, and that some senior players are “not sure what they’re running for”.
It is added that some senior players have spoken to Ten Hag about what is going on – sharing their experiences at previous clubs – and believe his management of men could be improved.
Ten Hag, however, remains confident that the reports have had no impact on his side, stating: “I don’t care about the noise. They’re used to it. It was the same at Ajax, but in a small country and fewer people.”
“When you’re not at your best that day, you get hit. You need to be in better shape. When you don’t, you get killed. We know that and we need the right attitude in every game.”
