Fascinating Twitter Thread Breaks Down Man United Boss Erik Ten Hag's Training Methods Before Liverpool Win
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Manchester United have made the perfect start to their pre-season schedule with consecutive victories under new manager Erik ten Hag.
United thrashed rivals Liverpool 4-0 in their opening pre-season match in Bangkok, Thailand before coming from behind to beat Melbourne Victory 4-1 in their second friendly in Australia on Friday.
It has been a promising start for Ten Hag, who is known for his high standards, meticulous planning and attention to detail.
His methods at United have caught the eye of one Twitter user, who has published a fascinating thread breaking down one of the Dutchman's training sessions held ahead of the victory over Liverpool.
Twitter user guillaume_0823, who claims to be a Level 1 PFSA Opposition Analyst with a UEFA C Licence, published the thread offering "insight on the new staff, their training structure and didactics" after studying a televised United training session. Check it out below:
Before the first module, players were brought onto the grass and were introduced to the second session of the day. In the morning the players had already gone through a physical training session, which was not open to fans as usual. pic.twitter.com/PnT1628utu
— Guillaume (@guillaume_0823) July 12, 2022
In the second part of the Activation module, the players perform dynamic stretching. These warm-ups are designed to stretch the muscles to prevent tears. The players spend 4'30" on this exercise. Second picture shows how the intensity and amplitude increase throughout the drill. pic.twitter.com/eTH4RZElWm
— Guillaume (@guillaume_0823) July 12, 2022
In the second module, a low-intensity rondo in the centre circle awaits the players. No more than one touch is allowed, and three chasers intercept the ball. As this is mainly a team-building exercise, there is little coaching focus on third-man combinations or breaking lines. pic.twitter.com/6K2n8TBNlP
— Guillaume (@guillaume_0823) July 12, 2022
In the third module:
— Guillaume (@guillaume_0823) July 12, 2022
A 3v7+1 positional rondo with a few rules:
3 players chase the ball being kept in a small space. Defenders can score in both goals - in line with the principle of moving the ball after winning it. pic.twitter.com/sDM8kMCFUA
This intense drill lasts 6 full minutes. Split in two sides, 3 coaches assist each set-up. The focus is also on tactical work; this is a drill which will return in more training sessions this season. The tactical goal is to break lines and find the third man beyond the lines. pic.twitter.com/zyydPDgZhW
— Guillaume (@guillaume_0823) July 12, 2022
This gives a little insight into Ten Hag's footballing philosophy, but also that the coach is not afraid to alter his drills during sessions. This is a good didactic competence to possess. pic.twitter.com/mBCLbYG16U
— Guillaume (@guillaume_0823) July 12, 2022
One difference is that the ball always restarts on one end, in order to simulate a real match scenario. This, next to Ten Hag's tendency to interrupt play and explain tactical principles makes it clear that this is not a game module. https://t.co/nGVL4fqSNB
— Guillaume (@guillaume_0823) July 12, 2022
The 5th and final COOLING DOWN module does not get shown, but is very important in pre-season, as this is next to a tactical behaviour camp, also a time for injury prevention. What is shown, however, is a coach announcing a winner (the yellow team) after which everyone applauds. pic.twitter.com/kJZE4LY3lE
— Guillaume (@guillaume_0823) July 12, 2022
This concludes the thread on Ten Hag's coaching didactics and methodology. Feel free to share! Now let's see what the new coaches can bring to this set of players... pic.twitter.com/zpxKx0s2DE
— Guillaume (@guillaume_0823) July 12, 2022
In addition to his tactical work in training, Ten Hag has also looked to stamp his mark on the squad with several new signings.
United signed Netherlands international Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord earlier this month before confirming the signing of free agent Christian Eriksen, who joined the Red Devils after coming to the end of his short-term deal at Brentford.
And United confirmed on Sunday that they had reached an agreement with Ten Hag's former club Ajax over a deal for defender Lisandro Martinez.
The Argentina international is expected to sign a five-year deal at Old Trafford with the option of a further year once he has agreed personal terms and passed a medical.
United next face Crystal Palace at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday before facing Aston Villa, Atletico Madrid and Raya Vallecano in their remaining pre-season friendlies.
They will then open their Premier League campaign at home to Brighton on August 7.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy & Manchester United
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Premier League
