Man Utd risk upsetting Ten Hag already by failing to deliver specific request

The Old Trafford hierarchy may have already annoyed their new manager Erik ten Hag as the Dutchman has made clear the kind of working conditions he deems ideal

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Manchester United appointed Erik ten Hag for his met meticulous approach to just about every facet of elite level football management – but even they may have been surprised by his latest request.

The Dutchman is famed for his possession-focused, slick passing football philosophy. It is what made his Ajax team so successful, with the new Red Devils manager overseeing three Eredivisie title victories during his reign in Amsterdam.

Ten Hag is keen on implementing a similar style at Old Trafford next season, something the United fanbase are incredibly excited about given some of the dour football that has been on show at the Theatre of Dreams in recent years.

With that in mind, the conditions Ten Hag operates in have to be just right for the 52-year-old to have the best possible chance of success. It is for that reason he has handed over a list of requests for United staff before pre-season starts later this month.

One of them is his desire to have every single pitch at United’s Carrington training base as well as the Old Trafford turf cut to 1.5centimetres to allow for quicker and slicker passing between his players. It is something he insisted upon while manager of Ajax.

While it was possible to achieve in the Netherlands, Ten Hag has reportedly been told his request may be difficult to achieve at United due to the Manchester climate, particularly over the winter months.

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United staff are rumoured to fear that the turf at Old Trafford could suffer serious damage if it is cut to anything below 2cm. Ten Hag may have to simply adapt to the notoriously bad Manchester weather.

It remains unclear whether the United faithful can expect any new faces to join the club before pre-season training begins, but Ten Hag’s ideal transfer targets are well-documented. Many of them are either former or current Ajax stars he has already worked closely with.

Centre-back Jurrien Timber is wanted as a potential partner-turned-replacement for Harry Maguire, while Brazilian international Antony is also in Ten Hag’s sights but could cost United more than the £40million bid they have already sent Ajax’s way.

Ex-Ajax midfield sensation Frenkie de Jong now plies his trade for La Liga titans FC Barcelona, who are proving difficult for United to negotiate with. The two teams cannot agree on a worthy fee for the Dutch international, who is rumoured to favour staying at the Camp Nou.