Why Erik ten Hag didn't go into Manchester United dressing room

Erik ten Hag didn't meet Ralf Rangnick or his Manchester United players before the club signed off a disappointing season with another defeat at Crystal Palace.

Ten Hag started planning for his tenure as United manager this week and the 52-year-old flew into London on Thursday to step up those preparations.

The former Ajax manager finished his spell in charge in Amsterdam last Sunday but immediately set about planning for life at Old Trafford.

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He held meetings with United staff at the club's Mayfair offices at the end of the week and was in the stands at Selhurst Park as his new team lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace.

Ten Hag was flanked by football director John Murtough and his assistants Mitchell van der Gaag and Steve McClaren in south London, but their presence failed to stop United slumping to a 12th Premier League defeat of the season.

Rangnick has exchanged messages with Ten Hag this week but he's yet to meet him in person and the new manager hasn't met the players either this week.

"No, he didn't come to the dressing room, I think this would have been unusual, he has not been introduced to the team. I think this will happen in the new season," said Rangnick.

"I guess he will be introduced to the media here in the next couple of days. We exchanged some WhatsApp messages but hopefully, we can speak in person and get to know each other in person in the next couple of days."

Ten Hag will officially begin work as United manager tomorrow (Monday), when he will be unveiled as the club's next boss at Old Trafford.

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