Manchester United players who broke Erik ten Hag's golden rule will get second chance

Erik ten Hag is often seen shaking his head in disapproval when a match is going against Manchester United, and he did so again in added time in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham.

In the heavy defeats to Manchester City and Liverpool, the gesture was down to “not sticking to the plan”. In the loss to Newcastle, it was for a lack of desire.

Against Tottenham it was for not putting in 100 per cent effort, very much a cardinal sin under the Dutchman's watch. Speaking after the match, he said: “Some thought 90 per cent was enough, we lost focus, that's why we gave balls away, we didn't do our jobs in positioning and you concede goals.

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“You have to bring it every time, although I know they are not robots. It's a tough schedule, but it can't be, we can't accept, when you are playing for Man United and wearing the shirt then you have to give it on every occasion, every game.”

Ten Hag has repeatedly reminded his players about the standards - so break them at your peril. Alejandro Garnacho, Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford have all felt the consequences for falling below the bar.

However, the situation United find themselves in means that for the most part, these players cannot be dropped entirely with injuries thinning the ranks of the manager’s squad. Ten Hag did not and would not name who he felt fell below the minimum requirements.

Several players were notably poor in performance. The Reds boss says he is still pondering over what his defensive plans are against Aston Villa on Sunday, but in truth, his hands are pretty much tied.

Lisandro Martinez is out for the season and Raphael Varane is not expected back for a number of weeks. Luke Shaw has been