'There can't be any confusion': Ten Hag sends message to World Cup-bound players about returning to Man United

Speaking to MUTV, Erik ten Hag said: "We had a plan, we have prepared the players with what the plan is so there can’t be any confusion about what the programme is.

"We make the players aware of the fact that, after you are out of the World Cup, you have to return to the club and the league immediately goes on. 

"You have to be ready for that, but I think our players are used to it. Our players are winners, and they are battling now for the World Cup and in the moment they are out — hopefully one is the winner — they have to deal with that.

"With the success they have, or the defeats, they have to deal with it and of course they have to be ready for another challenge."

Manchester United return to competitive action on December 21 with a Carabao Cup clash against Burnley, just three days after the 2022 World Cup final.

Given that the Qatar tournament is being held mid-season, most of the players involved in the tournament will have to report back to club duty right away.

Source: MUTV