Erik ten Hag takes more control at Man Utd

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has taken charge of the club's reserve team in order to create a more viable pathway for youngsters into first team football.

Ten Hag has enjoyed a strong start to life at Old Trafford, with the club showing a marked improvement in performances this season under the former Ajax manager. Man Utd head into the new year in fourth place in the league, having won three games on the bounce during the Christmas period.

For the first time in a long time, Man Utd have also given their manager much more authority than the likes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer were ever given at the club - something which was exemplified by Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Old Trafford at Ten Hag's behest.

That authority has been further increased recently as the Dutchman has also taken charge of the reserve team as well as the first team in order to create a clearer route first team football for academy graduates.

Explaining the role he is set to take, Ten Hag said: “For me, cooperation between all the different departments is crucial to get the right culture in a club. Like at Ajax, when I entered Manchester United the reserve team was isolated.

“It was no longer really part of the academy, but it wasn’t part of the first team either. I changed that immediately - just as I did when I entered Amsterdam.

“At Ajax, the reserve team came under the responsibility of the manager. That was the only way I could have influence on the flow of young, talented players towards the first team.

“Of course I still give the coaches freedom to work, but I also give them direction, by saying for example ‘I want that player to start making minutes in that position.’ So the final responsibility lies with me about how the second team performs and the flow of players that goes from the reserve team to the first team.”