Erik ten Hag showing ruthless side in training as players know where they stand

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw insists manager Erik ten Hag will "make sure" players know when they aren't hitting the required standards in training.

Several players have revealed how brutal the Dutchman's sessions are since he started work at Old Trafford in May. United are currently on a pre-season tour of Australia and Ten Hag is working his players hard to ensure they are fit for the new season.

The Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League last term - recording their lowest points tally (58) in 32 years - and were often criticised for not working hard enough. Ten Hag is desperate to change that and end United's six-year wait for silverware come May.

"For me, the levels have definitely stepped up and I think they needed to," Shaw told reporters. "Obviously last season they weren't as high as they should be, but the manager has brought more intensity and more running from everyone and we're in a much better place than we were last year.

"I think everyone is looking really sharp and the most important thing is we're all really enjoying it. He's very hands-on and he takes a lot of the sessions. He's involved a lot and if he sees people aren't hitting the standards that he wants in training he'll make sure they know.

"Last season was very disappointing, not just as a team but also individually for me. It wasn't what people expect or what I expect and I think this season is another fresh start."

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Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay, Victor Lindelof and Fred are among the other United players to have praised Ten Hag's training sessions. "It's been tough," admitted captain Harry Maguire, although that's what United fans want to hear.

Ten Hag's methods have already delivered some promising signs as United defeated Liverpool 4-0 and Melbourne Victory 4-1 in their first two friendlies. Their remaining fixtures in Australia are against Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

United will then fly back to Europe for friendlies against Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano before their Premier League campaign gets underway against Brighton at Old Trafford on August 7. Their Europa League campaign will start the following month.

United players were often criticised for their poor work rate last season. "We saw all of United's shortcomings today, the way United lost the game today they stopped running." said club legend Roy Keane after United's 4-1 defeat to Manchester City in March.

"No running back, it's really unacceptable when you play for Man United and I think they threw in the towel. They're up against a top side but you have to tackle, you've got to run back, it was just a reflection of where the club is, they're so far behind the other teams.

"We hear about problems with the new manager coming in but your own pride has to kick in at some stage. I was getting really frustrated, I can forgive mistakes but you have to put your body on the line... United didn't do enough."