Man United star Scott McTominay reveals what Erik ten Hag did in training to mastermind 2-1 win over Chelsea and bounce back from ‘abysmal’ Newcastle defeat
- Reports indicate that a number of players have become frustrated with Erik Ten Hag
- The Red Devils played four times in the past twelve days and won only twice
- Manchester United have snakes in the dressing room, players who don't run. Bruce, Robson, Keane would never allow this… It all starts
Scott McTominay was the hero of the day on Wednesday evening with his double volley against Chelsea, but the Scotland international was quick to praise a training adjustment from his boss Erik ten Hag ahead of the match.
United have come under fire in recent weeks for their inconsistent form, which has seen them struggle in matches, notably conceding a 2-0 lead at Galatasaray and struggling at Newcastle.
Prior to the win over the Blues, United had won just five of their previous 10 games, losing four and drawing once, with their erratic form leaving them struggling for fluidity.
However, it was a much better performance against Chelsea at Old Trafford, which saw the Red Devils continue their excellent record at home against the visitors, with McTominay scoring twice on target in a 2–1 win.
And the goalscorer was quick to credit his manager's shift in pre-match preparation for shaking off a problematic run of form.
Scott McTominay scored twice in Manchester United's 2-1 win over Chelsea on Wednesday evening
The Scotland midfielder credited a training adjustment from Erik ten Hag for his side's 'energy'
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“It's clear the manager is being honest with you.” McTominay told Prime Video after the match when the question was changed ahead of the match.
'The way we approached the match, lots of light training to maintain energy, stay fresh and keep going for the next match, because obviously they're coming very thick and fast.
'But for us it is an evening that we have to be happy with and that we can build on.
“We started the game really well and the fans are obviously very happy with the way we started and responded after a pretty terrible performance against Newcastle, to be honest.
“All the boys were so angry with the way we handled that game, it wasn't nearly good enough, and to come here and win tonight was a plus and it's something we can build on.”
It was a double match week for most Premier League teams, with eight matches on Tuesday and Wednesday and two more set for Thursday.
As such, there was no reprieve for the teams competing in Europe as United now play four games in eleven days with their next match coming just three days after beating Chelsea.
McTominay's public support for his manager's efforts comes amid rumors that some of the playing team are growing frustrated.
Sky Sports reported that the Dutchman had lost as much as half of the dressing room due to his rigorous training methods and tactical approach.
The Red Devils played four times in a period of twelve days and will play again on Saturday
Chelsea are still without a win at Old Trafford since May 2013, following Wednesday's defeat
They claim players are unhappy with their playing style, feel they train 'too hard' and run too much in training – with some senior players 'not sure what they are running for'.
It is added that certain senior players have spoken to Ten Hag about what is going on – highlighting their experiences at previous clubs – and feel his man-management could be improved.
However, Ten Hag remains confident that the messages on his side have had no effect and states: 'I don't care about the noise. They are used to it. It was the same at Ajax, but in a smaller country, so fewer people.'
“If you're not in top form that day, you're going to get beat. You have to be at your best. If you don't, you will be killed. We know that and we need the right attitude every match.'