Scott McTominay reveals Erik ten Hag's two non-negotiable rules at Manchester United

Scott McTominay has revealed the two non-negotiable rules Erik ten Hag has as he opened up about the Manchester United manager's high standards.

Ten Hag is a known disciplinarian and a number of players have felt his wrath during his time at the club.

Cristiano Ronaldo was deemed surplus to requirements despite his status in the game, while Jadon Sancho is now on loan at Borussia Dortmund after refusing to apologise for accusing Ten Hag of lying about his training performance in September.

Upon his arrival at United, Ten Hag introduced a whopping 83 principles of what he wanted to see from his side.

There was also a report stating that he did not accept poor body language and dressing room cliques.

According to McTominay, one of the biggest things for Ten Hag is timekeeping and he is not been afraid to punish stars like Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford being late.

Image: Getty

United players also have to wear the same club attire, whether that be tracksuits or branded suits.

"The manager is so demanding and he's got so many high standards that the whole squad have to comply with, which I think is brilliant," he said on the High Performance Podcast.

"I think that's the way it should be, especially when you play for a club like Man United.

"We all have to act accordingly and be professional in terms of everything we do.

"He's massive on his timings, massive on every looking the same, wearing the same tracksuits and clothes. All that contributes toward a good team, so no one is a big ego, everyone is in it together and pushing the right way."

Image: Getty

McTominay is United's top scorer in the Premier League this season, having netted five goals in 18 games.

He has not always started for United but stresses that everyone has a part to play and must take any opportunity given.

The Scotland international believes coasting is not accepted and players must prove themselves every day.

Image: Getty

He continued: "Whenever you're not playing, you can't take it too personally and maybe at points I did. It can be challenging, but you have to be aware of the group you're in and that others feel the same.

"It's not all about you and everybody wants to play, so when you're given that opportunity you need to take it, which is what I was thinking about coming on against Brentford.

"You always have to prove yourself at the club, otherwise they will go out and get someone who is better. You have to prove you can be the one to help the team and you have to prove yourself every training session."

Elsewhere in the interview, McTominay singled out two United teammates for never letting standards drop, while also revealing the brutal learning curve Jose Mourinho gave him in his first training session.

United return to action on Sunday when they travel to Newport County in the FA Cup fourth round.

Topics: Scott Mctominay, Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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