Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has revealed how Erik ten Hag ensures that none of his players have a “big ego” through the implementation of his rules.
Ten Hag arrived from Ajax in 2022 and was widely hailed for his impact at Old Trafford, with United lifting the Carabao Cup trophy in his debut season at the club.
United also reached the FA Cup final at Wembley last season, only for Ten Hag’s men to fall short in a 2-1 defeat to crosstown rivals Manchester City.
But Ten Hag secured United’s return to the Champions League with a third-place finish in the Premier League, though the Dutchman has faced criticism this season.
United failed to make the knockout rounds of the Champions League and were dumped out of the Carabao Cup in the round of 16 by Newcastle in a 3-0 defeat.
However, the Red Devils remain in the FA Cup and United are pushing for a top-four finish, with Ten Hag’s men currently eighth and are 11 points off from fourth place.
McTominay on Ten Hag’s rules
Speaking on the High Performance Podcast, McTominay revealed that Ten Hag is “demanding” and that the Dutchman is strict on certain rules.
“The manager is so demanding and he’s got so many high standards that the whole squad have to comply with, which I think is brilliant,” he said.
“I think that’s the way it should be, especially when you play for a club like Man United.
“We all have to act accordingly and be professional in terms of everything we do.
“He’s massive on his timings, massive on every looking the same, wearing the same tracksuits and clothes.
“All that contributes toward a good team, so no-one is a big ego, everyone is in it together and pushing the right way.”
McTominay on Ten Hag’s ‘little messages’
McTominay, who recently opened up on his toughest opponent, has candidly spoken about his United career and the one manager who helped transform him.
The 27-year-old Scottish midfielder also recalled a touching experience he had with legendary former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
McTominay also named the two best professionals he played alongside at United, as well as picking two of his former teammates in building the ‘perfect’ player.
The Scotland international shared how Ten Hag would leave the players “little messages” to show why they should be playing and how it affects him seeing them.
“There can be little messages, like when I came on against Brentford, to go and show why you should be playing,” McTominay continued.
“For me, I just wanted to show him that I can do it and he’s obviously an amazing manager with great tactical dimensions to this game, some of the things he says and how he conducts his meetings are great. I just want to be a part of that.
“Whenever you’re not playing, you can’t take it too personally and maybe at points I did. It can be challenging, but you have to be aware of the group you’re in and that others feel the same.
“It’s not all about you and everybody wants to play, so when you’re given that opportunity you need to take it, which is what I was thinking about coming on against Brentford.
“You always have to prove yourself at the club, otherwise they will go out and get someone who is better.
“You have to prove you can be the one to help the team and you have to prove yourself every training session.”
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