Erik Ten Hag organized a barbecue for the players and their families as the Man United coach sought to build unity after a difficult start to the season.

Erik ten Hag emphasized the importance of team spirit at Manchester United by hosting a barbecue for his players and their families at Carrington on Sunday.

The talk around Old Trafford during a tumultuous start to the season has been about unity and promoting the same unity that saw United enjoy success in Ten Hag’s first season in charge. The Dutch coach also wanted to thank the players’ families and coaching staff for their support.

The United squad had a day well received by the players following a similar high profile club-wide event at Old Trafford last month.

Families are treated to a nutritious barbecue, with a range of children’s activities including bouncy castles, face painting and performing arts.

Ten Hag is said to have gone around the room chatting with family members and thanking them for the sacrifices they have made to help the players be at their best.

The event was said to have been planned weeks ago and Saturday night’s morale-boosting win over Burnley meant it all went off without a hitch.

This brought relief to Ten Hag after a difficult start that saw United lose four of their opening six matches. However, three of those defeats came against Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Tottenham, and United will be hoping to continue with more wins.

After winning at Turf Moor thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ superb volley, United face Crystal Palace at home in the Carabao Cup and Premier League before taking on Galatasaray, Brentford, Sheffield United and FC Copenhagen.