Erik ten Hag assistant makes worrying admission about Man Utd squad

Former Manchester United assistant Rene Hake has admitted he encountered players at Old Trafford who rejected advice from Erik ten Hag's coaching staff.

Hake joined Ten Hag's team during the summer to try offer some support to the under-fire Dutchman but, following a miserable run of form, saw his contract terminated just days after Ten Hag was relieved of his duties in October.

Reflecting on his short stint at Old Trafford, Hake named several players who were receptive to the coaching staff's methods but also admitted there were some who were more reluctant to entertain advice.

"It's important that you are very clear," Hake told AD. "That way, nice conversations arise, even about personal matters. It works like that with everyone, showing genuine interest is always appreciated.

"[Marcus] Rashford and [Alejandro] Garnacho were soon open to working on timing their runs from deep. With Bruno Fernandes, it was a lot about choosing a position in our build-up. But sometimes, players said, 'I prefer not to change anything in my game at the moment', and you have to accept that.

"[What sets top players apart] is football insight, seeing solutions, learning ability and mentality - the desire to execute something well and continuing to execute it well after 36 tries. With Casemiro, it was like he smelled things. When it really matters, he has an antenna, he can already sense what is going to happen on the field."

Hake declined to criticise the new United hierarchy, instead insisting he saw plenty from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS which should excite fans.

"I don't hold a grudge", he continued. "I worked well with the players, staff and other personnel. I said goodbye to everyone to end it well.

"I was given a look behind the scenes of one of the biggest clubs in the world - and in the Premier League, the NBA of football. If you zoom out, I realise how special that is with my background.

"I wasn't there long enough to really judge the course of the club. What I did sense was a deep longing to be relevant again, to get back the winning culture from the [Sir Alex] Ferguson era, combined with the culture of INEOS, who have success in other sports."

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