Man Utd flops warned of brutal consequences if they don’t follow Erik ten Hag’s strict rules

DIMITAR BERBATOV has warned Manchester United’s underperforming flops to fix up or face the consequences.

The Red Devils have endured their worst start to a season for 61 years.

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Erik ten Hag is known for setting for strict rules and demands on his Man Utd stars[/caption]

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Dimitar Berbatov has warned Ten Hag’s stars to be prepared to face consequences if they don’t follow his rules[/caption]

However, many feel Erik ten Hag‘s management is not the main issue at the club – a topic discussed on SunSport’s Big Debate.

Former Man Utd striker Berbatov has warned the former Ajax coach will not be afraid to wield the axe on stars who do not play up to standard and conform to his rules.

Speaking to Betfair he said: “The players need to have the mindset to follow the rules Erik ten Hag sets. If they don’t, Ten Hag is forced to follow his own rules and not give the players minutes on the pitch.

“It comes down to the player’s mentality, the environment, the people they’re listening to and hanging around with.

“Managers need to be strict and disciplined at football clubs, they need to control the environment.

“Sir Alex Ferguson was so good at those things, it helped that he had history and success with trophies during his time at Manchester United.

“I understand that Ten Hag needs to be strict with the rules he has set, if the players can’t follow those rules, then they will suffer the consequences.”

Berbatov highlighted £86million winger Antony for criticism and told the Brazilian the simple solution he needs to find his best form.

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He said: “Erik Ten Hag likes Antony; everybody knows that because they worked together at Ajax.

“It’s clear he has a soft spot for him because every coach is like this with certain players. Ten Hag is giving Antony his trust.

“Antony needs to know that every time he steps on the pitch, he needs to justify Ten Hag’s trust, work his socks off to show, ‘yes boss, you’re trusting me, I don’t want to let you or the team down’.

“However, right now, it’s not working well for Antony, so my piece of advice would be to keep it simple, don’t overcomplicate stuff.

“The moment you start thinking you’re Ronaldinho or Zidane while you’re struggling in games, you’re going to suffer even more. Don’t try to do stupid things like tricks that are not beneficial for the team.

You’re so quick, use your pace to get in-behind the defence, get on the ball and start to record assists or shoot to score. That’s how simple it is. Stay disciplined and concentrated – it’s not so difficult. 

“There is a talent in Antony, but don’t overcomplicate stuff. When you build your confidence back, then you can start doing the complicated side of the game and showing your tricks.”

Berbatov also highlighted the poor form of Raphael Varane but said he would be gutted to see the former Real Madrid star leave.

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Antony has been told how to get back to his best by Berbatov[/caption]

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Berbatov added he did not want to see Raphael Varane leave Man Utd[/caption]

He added: “I don’t want Raphael Varane to leave, he’s still a good defender.

“Football has shown us that players like Varane and Casemiro, they’ve both come from Real Madrid and started well, but suddenly something can happen, and they get a dip in form.

“Ten Hag can be very strict in these scenarios, Jonny Evans is 35 years old and is still playing ahead of Varane. Ten Hag doesn’t care how old you are, if you’re disciplined and professional in training, you will play.

“Varane needs to accept this challenge. He’s a winner and won everything, but now he’s being watched under Ten Hag and Varane can’t rely on his name to guarantee a starting spot in the team.

“On the other hand, if Varane isn’t happy with the playing time then it’s a different question we’re asking. Lots of players have big egos and think they deserve to play 90 minutes, every game.”

Berbatov believes tonight’s clash with Copenhagen is also a must-win affair.

However, it will be no easy task for Man Utd given Copenhagen’s strong home record in the Champions League.

Man Utd lost on their last visit to the Danish club’s Parken Stadium in the 2006/07 season.

Marcus Allback scored the winner that day and recently revealed to The Sun how he had a child named after him after his “crappy” winner.

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