Man Utd switch Old Trafford dugouts for first time in 30 years for tactical reasons on meticulous Erik ten Hag orders

ERIK TEN HAG has ordered Manchester United to switch the home and away dugouts for the first time in 30 years for tactical reasons.

The new boss is stamping his authority on the club and continues to make changes as he looks to hoist the Red Devils up the Premier League table.

AFP

Erik ten Hag is known to be a details man and has not been shy in implementing changes at his new club[/caption]

In his latest change, the club have announced he wants to switch where he and the subs sit in the dugout.

They will now occupy the seats where the away teams sat last season, with visitors now sat on the opposite benches.

Ten Hag made the changes so that United would be sat closer to the tunnel – and be closer to “the traditional end of the home support”.

He first observed the changes that could be made during his first visit to the stadium in May where he was accompanied by United football director John Murtough.

The changes will be in place for Sunday’s game against Spanish side Rayo Vallecano.

And a week later Brighton will be the first Premier League visitors to experience the new design.

A club statement reads: “In a new lay-out agreed with Erik, the home and away dugouts have been permanently switched so that the United manager, staff and substitutes will now be sat in the seats to the west of the half-way line – the dugout previously occupied by the away team.

“Erik approved the move after visiting Old Trafford for the first time in May and noting how the old away dugout was closer to the tunnel, and to the half of the pitch where substitutes warm up.  

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“Switching sides will also position the home staff and players closer to the Stretford End – the traditional heart of the home support – and align the dugouts with the halves of the pitch in which the home and away teams warm up before the game.”

It’s the latest change by the meticulous boss as he tries to mould the club in his image.

In June it was revealed that he ordered ground staff to chop the grass to exactly 15mm.

He has also implemented changes at meal times, including no mobile phones and making players eat together.

Former United defender Daley Blind, who played under ten Hag at Ajax, warned the current crop of Red Devils that the gaffer leaves nothing to chance.