‘Complex but cool’: what Erik ten Hag will bring to Manchester United

The Dutch coach’s friends and former charges say he is a football-obsessed control freak who’s hugely loyal to his players

Erik ten Hag Pic: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Erik ten Hag, now confirmed as the next Manchester United manager, has a reputation as a control freak. He analyses opponents from head to toe, even if he already played against them twice in the season. He sends his players video clips of opponents, provides tips and is in constant conversation with them, even about which newspapers they should read or what time they should be in bed.

He imposes strict rules. When he began his coaching career at youth level, Ten Hag immediately shortened his pupils’ holidays: whoever dared come back too late had a problem.