Man Utd star says he received ‘pretty rare’ phone calls after Ten Hag approved new coaching hire

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Manchester United have made numerous coaching additions to bolster Erik ten Hag with fresh ideas and innovation.

Erik ten Hag remains Manchester United manager with Ineos electing to keep the Dutchman in charge.

Everything around him at Carrington has changed, with Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rene Hake and Andreas Georgson joining the coaching staff.

Another new face is new goalkeeper coach Jelle ten Rouwelaar, whose arrival at the club was confirmed in early July.

• READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25

Tom Heaton on Jelle ten Rouwelaar

Back-up goalkeeper Tom Heaton has already talked up the impact Ten Rouwelaar has made in training sessions.

He previously described the approach as ‘different’, explaining how he is making him use his mind a lot more.

Now, speaking to The Athletic, Heaton says Ten Rouwelaar’s reputation preceded him in goalkeeping circles even before his arrival.

He explained: “Early impressions have been excellent. I had a few phone calls about (Ten Rouwelaar), specifically to say what a good person he is.

“I actually received phone calls about that, which I have to say in football is pretty rare.”

Prior to a short stint at Ajax cut short by United’s swoop, Ten Rouwelaar spent two years working at Burnley, one of Heaton’s former clubs.

Heaton adds that Ten Rouwelaar’s main priority is helping United’s goalkeepers and the defence build from the back.

A new approach

Jelle ten Rouwelaar is the most low-key of United’s appointments, partly due to the fact his role is so specific.

Yet his role could have a big bearing on the entire team if he can have a positive impact on United retaining possession and having more control of games.

This can in turn help the goalkeepers out, requiring them to make fewer saves. Andre Onana was called into action far too often last season.

There are multiple areas of improvement required for United in 2024/25. Ten Rouwelaar is just part of the puzzle.