Erik ten Hag admits he is concerned that Manchester United’s returning World Cup stars will struggle to readapt to his tactical demands after a month on international duty.
The Red Devils are back competitive action this evening against Burnley in the Carabao Cup, just three days on from Sunday’s epic final between France and Argentina.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, United’s first choice central defenders, were both involved on Sunday and will be given extended breaks to recover both physically and mentally.
The likes of Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes as well as England stalwarts Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw have all returned to the fold, however, but their manager is concerned it will take time to get back up to speed.
‘They have been playing for six weeks in a different environment with a different style of play, and they have to get back to our rules and principles. All 11 players have to be on the same page,’ said Ten Hag.
‘You saw in this World Cup many nations played passively, waiting and playing on the reaction.
‘We have seen against Manchester City, that was our big problem in that game. We want to be dominant and proactive, but we played in a different way.’
Prior to the break for the World Cup, United had climbed up to fifth place in the Premier League following a run of impressive results and also progressed to the knockout stages of the Europa League.
The simmering tension between Cristiano Ronaldo and Ten Hag had cast a significant shadow over the progress that had been made, but with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner now out of the picture, the Dutchman will feel confident of accelerating his rebuilding job.
‘We are in a good direction, but still there is a lot of room for improvement,’ added Ten Hag.
‘It means keeping high standards. I always say, satisfaction makes you lazy.
‘If you are too satisfied with yourself and the team, you will not maintain those standards.’
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