Erik ten Hag has been training the Manchester United squad for two weeks now as he attempts to drill his style of football into the squad.
Initially taking training with those who did not go on international duty on 27 June, those who played for their country soon followed suit and the whole squad, minus Cristiano Ronaldo, are preparing to face Liverpool on Tuesday.
Manchester United today hosted an open training session at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok, where fans of the club were allowed to watch their favourite footballing stars prepare for the 2022/23 Premier League season under Erik ten Hag.
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One drill that was noticeably played was the famous ‘attack vs defense’ drill.
The drill works with the attacking members of the team such as Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Amad starting on the halfway line and having to score against the more defensive minded players such as Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia and Scott McTominay.
The aim of the attacking players is to score past the goalkeeper, and the aim of the defensive players is to get the ball to the halfway line while maintaining control of it.
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This therefore encourages the attackers to be creative in their play and simulate a life-like match situation, and helps the defenders understand how to get the ball to the halfway line while maintaining possession of it, instead of just kicking the ball as far as they can.
During the session, it was obvious how hands on Ten Hag has been with the players so far, as he was guiding them on what passing options to look for, pointing out where free space was and barking out instructions as the players took part in the exercise.
Erik ten Hag is looking to bring in up to five players before the start of the Premier League season, with Malacia being the first to be confirmed.
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The club are looking to confirm the signing of Christian Eriksen by the end of the week, with the player set to join up with the rest of the squad on the Australian leg of the tour.
United are in contact with Ajax over the potential transfer of defender Lisandro Martinez, and although negotiations are difficult, the player is reportedly ready to refuse to train in order to force a move through to the Premier League side should Ajax not find an agreement with them soon.
Frenkie de Jong has been the name one everyone’s lips this summer, and although United have been “given assurances” that De Jong is open to joining, conflicting reports from Spain suggest that his priority is to stay at Barcelona.
Cristiano Ronaldo did not travel with the squad to Bangkok due to personal issues, however Erik ten Hag has confirmed he expects the striker to join the squad during Tour 2022, despite it being widely reported that he wants to leave the club.
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Erik ten Hag held a press conference earlier today where he was fielded questions on the matter, as well as who would be Manchester United captain next season and what the latest updates on transfer targets are.
The club are set to play Liverpool in Bangkok tomorrow, and will fly to Australia to embark on the second part of their tour.
Down under, they will face Melbourne Victory, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, before heading back to Europe to face Atletico Madrid in Oslo on 30 July and Rayo Vallecano the next day at Old Trafford.
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On 7 August, the Premier League season will finally get under way for Manchester United, who will face Brighton & Hove Albion on the opening weekend of the season.
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Football
Dylan Penketh