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Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Premier League
Ryan Smart
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is set to put his side through an SAS-style 'hell week' during pre-season, it has been reported.
The Dutchman is known for setting high standards at his clubs, something which was show throughout his first pre-season with United last summer.
He implemented a number of strict rules upon his arrival at Old Trafford, including an alcohol ban, a prohibition on personal chefs and strict curfews.
The Athletic reported that after an unnamed player twice arrived late to team meetings while the squad were in Australia, Ten Hag dropped him from the team for the next match.
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And after the 4-0 defeat at Brentford in August, the former Ajax boss made his players complete an eight-mile run - the difference between the distance the two sides covered during the match.
His demanding style did go on to have a positive effect on United, who went on to lift the Carabao Cup and finish in third in the Premier League table. They also reached the FA Cup final, losing 2-1 to Manchester City at Wembley.
But there is still work to be done - and Ten Hag wants to drill that into his players during pre-season.
Ten Hag 'plans SAS-style training camp'
According to The Sun, staff at United's Carrington training ground have already been given instructions to prepare for pre-season, which begins at the start of July.
It is claimed that the squad will kick things off with four days of gruelling double sessions, with an 'emphasis on building stamina'.
The report says it has been dubbed as 'Hell Week' by staff - which is used to describe SAS training camps.
A source adds that Ten Hag ordered his players to do 'fitness forfeits' last season, with this season's activities presumably even more testing.
He will hope the added focus on fitness and conditioning will aid United in their Premier League and Champions League pursuits next season.
The squad that appears at Carrington at the beginning of July is likely to be similar to the one that featured in the final day 2-1 win over Fulham last month.
United are yet to complete a permanent signing this summer, having reportedly dropped interest in Chelsea star Mason Mount.