Five things spotted in Man United training as Erik ten Hag consults inner circle and has joke with Cristiano Ronaldo
On Wednesday, Erik ten Hag and his players were hard at work on the Manchester United training ground.
Manchester United players were hard at work at Carrington on Wednesday in preparation for their Europa League match against FC Sheriff on Thursday night.
United fans are anticipating a huge response from Erik ten Hag’s side after last week’s devastating 1-0 loss to Real Sociedad on matchday one.
The Reds were not in action over the weekend, as their scheduled match against Crystal Palace was postponed due to the Queen’s passing on Thursday, September 8. United’s scheduled match against Leeds United on Sunday has also been canceled owing to a police officer shortage ahead of the Queen’s funeral on Monday, September 19.
Ronaldo and Ten Hag have a good time laughing.
Although Cristiano Ronaldo has only started two games for Manchester United this season, he appears to be developing a nice relationship with manager Ten Hag.
While the United No.7 will be keen for more minutes than he has been getting in recent weeks, the pair were pictured laughing together after the Dutchman made a joke with Ronaldo and Ten Hag all smiles during the Carrington training session. After a summer of conjecture, the Portuguese international, who is set to face Sheriff on Thursday night, appears to be at ease at Old Trafford.
The inner circle of Ten Hag
The Dutchman has had a steady start to his reign as United manager, and his coaching staff are clearly an important part of how he runs the club. Ten Hag was overheard talking with assistant manager Mitchell van der Gaag and technical director Darren Fletcher.
Ten Hag values and depends on his coaches’ advice, especially on the practice field. United will need to be firing on all cylinders ahead of a vital European battle if they are to achieve their first Europa League victory.
Antony is settling in nicely.
Antony has excelled in his two appearances in a red shirt after joining Ajax in the summer. The Brazilian appears to be a popular part of the first-team group after scoring on his debut against Arsenal.
During Wednesday’s training session, he was spotted discussing with center-back Lisandro Martinez, who had his arm around the 22-year-old. Since joining at Old Trafford, Antony has built a good bond on the flank with right-back Diogo Dalot.
Eriksen’s directives
Christian Eriksen is proving to be a wise acquisition for the Reds, with the Dane commanding play from the base of midfield in recent weeks, assisting Ten Hag’s men to four consecutive Premier League victories. During a training drill at Carrington, the 30-year-old looked to offer commands to his teammates.
Given his wealth of experience, the former Tottenham Hotspur star will be a huge asset to United’s younger midfielders. In recent weeks, his collaboration with Scott McTominay has been strong.
Maguire is in a terrific mood.
Harry Maguire has only made four appearances for Manchester United this season, starting three of them. Martinez and Varane have formed a solid connection, pushing him down the pecking order.
It remains to be seen whether Gareth Southgate will select the England center-back for the Three Lions’ team on Thursday, but he was all grins throughout training on Wednesday.
