Scott McTominay says Man Utd players are invested in ‘very promising’ Erik ten Hag ideas

Scott McTominay says Manchester United’s players are “locked in” to their roles under Erik ten Hag and says the new coach’s ideas are “very promising”.

Manchester United have flown out to Asia on their pre-season tour and face Liverpool in Bangkok on Tuesday in their first pre-season game. Cristiano Ronaldo remains missing from the United travelling party due to a “family issue”.

But the 37-year-old is looking for a way out of Old Trafford with Chelsea the favourites to sign him.

Phil Jones, Brandon Williams and Andreas Pereira are among the other notable absentees.

Ten Hag has welcomed Steve McClaren and Mitchell van der Gaag as his assistants. And the new coaching team have been working with the players at Carrington for two weeks.

They will step up their training now in Asia as they prepare for a run of games against the likes of Liverpool, Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Atletico Madrid.

McTominay, who looks likely to be one of Ten Hag’s midfield generals, believes the mood in the camp is good.

“Now is the time to be optimistic,” McTominay told United Daily, via the Manchester Evening News. “We’re really looking forward to what’s to come because the way the coaches have presented their ideas to all the players and all the staff is very promising for sure.”

McTominay ‘refreshed’

Asked about his personal preparations ahead of the new season, McTominay said he hadn’t had to do too much in the off season.

“To be honest, not a lot in terms of the off-season. Maybe five or six training sessions. But we only had two and a half weeks off so you can’t go blowing the gasket too quick.

“You need to make sure you’ve had enough rest. And make sure you’ve got enough time in the legs to properly recover. But obviously there’s a chance to make your body stronger.

“I feel good, I feel refreshed. I feel fit and getting over the time difference here. We’re looking forward to a good week in terms of the games that we’ve got coming up and the training as well.

“I think all of the players are more than locked in to do their jobs for the new coach, for sure,” said McTominay.

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