Manchester United slammed for making decision that has ruined Erik ten Hag's preparations

Dutch legend Marco van Basten says Manchester United's intense pre-season schedule has come back to haunt them.

United embarked on a busy summer, playing friendlies in Australia and Thailand. Despite showing good form and posting impressive results on tour, United have started their Premier League campaign with two defeats from two games.

Van Basten believes United's decision to embark on such a tiring tour has 'killed' Erik ten Hag's chances of hitting the ground running.

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Speaking to Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport, Van Basten said: "What I find strange is that every year in preparation they make a kind of world tour.

"That kills the group. It’s ridiculous, idiotic. They have to stop doing that. Physically, it’s just heartbreakingly bad. They do everything they can to make more money, but it’s nonsense."

When another Dutchman, Louis van Gaal, was in charge of United he also complained about the gruelling nature of the club’s pre-season tours. Speaking ahead of his first summer tour in 2014, the veteran boss criticised the schedule, saying: "We have to prepare for the season and when you have commercial activities and dreadful distances, having to fly a lot and the jet lag, it is not very positive for a good preparation."

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