Why this Erik ten Hag decision could be the turning point in United’s season

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One of the big moments of Manchester United’s inaugural season under Erik ten Hag was in the days after the harrowing 4-0 defeat against Brentford.

According to the Daily Mail, Erik ten Hag made his players run 8.5 kilometers in the heat following the embarrassing defeat but, crucially, the former Ajax boss joined his players on the gruelling run.

Unsurprisingly, there was an uptick in form following this decision as United raced into the top four and won their first trophy since the UEFA Europa League in 2017.

Well, it seems after a poor start to the season, United’s manager has taken it upon himself to try another tactic to bring the team together and you wonder if this tactic is beginning to work already.

The barbecue

The scenes were certainly bleak this time last week. After a defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion, there were reports of dressing room bust-ups, according to The Sun, United were in a mess.

A team bonding exercise was certainly needed after the harrowing defeat to Roberto De Zerbi’s side and it seems the Dutchman has tried to resurrect the team morale.

Judged on the evidence of the last two games, it seems the former Ajax boss has got a tune out of his stars.

According to the Daily Mail, United’s manager decided to hold a team barbecue to try and boost morale amongst the squad after a difficult start.

The echoes of last season’s decision to try and bring the team together are there for all to see and the hope will be that the stark upturn in form seen last season could be seen once again this season.

The players’ families and the club staff were invited to the event and it is said to have brought people together according to the report.

Team togetherness

During the win over Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup, the younger players were seemingly fighting for each other and chasing back to help the team and fighting for the badge, something that has been missing for a long time.

Last season’s decision by the manager to make the squad run the 8 kilometers was more of a punishment but it seems this time, the decision by the manager was an attempt to galvanise the squad.

United have a winnable run of fixtures coming up and Ten Hag will be hoping the decision for a squad get-together could be the key to a turnaround this season, similar to the decision made last season.