Erik Ten Hag Misses Manchester United Press Conference As He Wants Pre-Season To Focus On Football

Erik ten Hag's blunt answers in press conferences are often to the amusement of many, but it is clear that he feels his time is better off working on how he's going to prepare his squad for the Premier League opener against Brighton in less than three weeks.

His pre-match press conference for the Liverpool game saw a bombardment of questions about Cristiano Ronaldo, who reportedly asked for a move away from the club earlier this month.

"We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo this season and that's it. I look forward to working with him." Was one of the manager's responses.

"He's not with us, and it's due to personal issues." Was another, when prodded about his absence from the pre-season tour.

A report from Rob Dawson has lifted the lid on the new manager's focus this pre-season.

His meticulous style means that every moment has been focused on the football.

Ten Hag explained to club staff that instead of attending a post-match press conference with media following the Liverpool win, he'd be better off being able to prepare for the next day of training.

Manchester United

He's made it clear to those who have travelled with the club on the pre-season tour that players are there to train, and other commitments should not get in the way of that.

In fact, Ten Hag has 'knocked back' any suggestions that players can be available for media work before training .

He has asked that everything his squad does, from interviews to commercial work, is communicated with him so that he's completely aware.

Ten Hag's tour might differ to some in the past where players have been able to go sight-seeing to local attractions.

This time around though, there has been little time for the players who are either travelling or in the hotel after putting their energy into the "intense" training that the Dutchman puts them through.

Interestingly, somebody thought it would be a good idea to suggest to Ten Hag the suggestion of filming the players on the set of 'Neighbours' an Australian soap opera. His answer was, of course, a no.

With all the focus on the football, it's no wonder that so many United players have spoke about their fitness levels and the intensity that training is at when they've been interviewed by media.

Manchester United

Luke Shaw was one impressed by the nature of Ten Hag's training sessions and the fact that everyone's levels are raised when he's on the training pitch.

"He is very hands-on and he takes a lot of the sessions. He’s involved a lot and if he sees people aren’t hitting the standards that he wants in training he’ll make sure they know.

“I think that’s good because he keeps the standards high.”

The Brazilian Fred was another, saying: "He's a great coach. Training is good, intense. We're aiming to put what he says into our daily training. I hope we can win things in the future."

It's no wonder, though, with the squad often having double sessions under Ten Hag whilst on tour. This involves one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Ten Hag has even taken sessions in the morning before games as he prepares for the team to be the fittest they've ever been.

With United's training focus being on sharp passing, purposeful movement and pressure; we are starting to see those implemented into the games played.

With four more fixtures in pre-season left, these players have a long way until they are ready for next season, but the manager is ensuring that strides are being made.