Ten Hag makes three changes after he was ‘sent warning’ over Man Utd leaks

New Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag has made three changes to avoid dressing room leaks next season, according to reports.

The Dutchman has a big job on his hands this summer after the Red Devils dropped from second place in the 2020/21 campaign to sixth last season.

Man Utd finished 13 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham in the Premier League and a massive 35 points adrift of arch-rivals and champions Man City.

Ten Hag brings reasons for optimism at Manchester United beyond Frenkie De Jong

There were rumours of player discontent, cliques and a ‘toxic’ atmosphere around the club with Paul Scholes revealing Jesse Lingard had told him the dressing room was a “disaster”.

Multiple leaks came from within the dressing room last season and now ESPN claims that Ten Hag was ‘sent warning’ over the leaks when he took the job.

It is understood that Ten Hag has ‘made building a dressing room spirit at Manchester United one of his key goals this summer’ and he has outlined three changes he will be making this season.

ESPN adds:

‘Sources told ESPN the players will be encouraged to be more open in interviews next season but have been told that disagreements between individuals should be handled in-house and not publicised. Players have also been told to pass on the message to family members and agents.

‘Ten Hag’s assistant, Steve McClaren, will be asked to act as a bridge between the players and management in an effort to solve any issues that arise.’

Ten Hag took charge of his first training session at United’s Carrington training ground on Monday and the players were ‘impressed’ by what they saw from their new coach.

Paul Merson doubts Ten Hag can turn it around quickly, though, with the former Arsenal midfielder insisting that Man Utd need “three or four players just to make a challenge for fourth place”.

“If Ten Hag managed for the rest of his life, it’ll never be harder than what he’s taking on now,” Merson told Sky Sports. “This is a massive job. It’s the biggest club in the world and he is taking over when they’re in disarray.

“He needs to bring in as many players as he can because this team is not going to get you in the top four.

“They need to bring certain players in – (Frenkie) De Jong at Barcelona, he’s a good footballer – and then you move on from there. They need at least three or four players just to make a challenge for fourth place.”