Manchester United legend warns players about Erik ten Hag's ruthlessness

Former winger Lee Sharpe has warned Manchester United's players that anyone not doing what Erik ten Hag asks of them this season will be axed from the Dutchman's plans without any hesitation.

Ten Hag, who watched his side conclude their pre-season preparations with a 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford on Sunday, was appointed United boss back in April, with a view to replacing Ralf Rangnick ahead of the start of this season. Although new additions to the squad have been few and far between, the former Ajax boss has wasted little time in making improvements in M16.

Although United ended their pre-season schedule with a bit of a limp, failing to win any of their final three friendlies, they excelled in their opening three games, playing vibrant, forward-thinking, attractive football. The players have bought into Ten Hag's methods and there is a degree of optimism surrounding Old Trafford ahead of Sunday's Premier League opener against Brighton.

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Although pre-season, on the whole, has been encouraging for United, Ten Hag's first meaningful test will come this weekend. It will mark his first competitive game at the helm and it will be the first time that he has named a starting line-up where underperformances from anyone risk being heavily scrutinised, both by him and the fans.

And for Sharpe, who sported United colours between 1988 and 1996, anyone who fails to fulfil their role will be at risk of being removed from the team, pointing to Ten Hag's reputation as being a disciplinarian.

"Ten Hag has a structure and demands discipline," said Sharpe, speaking to the Daily Star on behalf of 888sport.