Erik ten Hag has introduced a number of changes at Manchester United since he succeeded Ralf Rangnick last year, with discipline clearly improving under the Dutchman.
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of several players to learn that Ten Hag will not accept ill-discipline, with Marcus Rashford also reprimanded for an internal issue earlier this year.
That’s one of many areas Ten Hag has improved at the club and now, backup goalkeeper Tom Heaton has become the latest player to praise the manager for his strategy.
“My personal view is that I think that really does make a difference,” he said on Ten Hag’s laws, according to the Daily Mail.
“When there is a consequence to players, a discipline, you know not to cross the line. If you do, you’ll be out.
“He has brought a clear messaging, clear lines of what’s acceptable and what’s not. Responsibility on everyone, the professional side of it, and when you cross it, he’s there to put you back in your place.
“I think Marcus’s response in that (Wolves) game was absolutely incredible. That’s the sort of thing it generates when it’s all moving that direction. So for me, yes, it does translate onto the pitch.”
SN’s verdict…
In the past, it has felt like United have lacked an authoritative figure to stamp out unwanted behaviour but Ten Hag has wasted no time in installing a good culture.
Ten Hag’s approach may have been criticised if results were not going his way but clearly, the strict ruling is paying dividends on the pitch and as a supporter, you can’t ask for more.
United look like a cohesive unit this season and the early signs are that the team will continue to improve with each passing week, as they have done for the last three months.
