Manchester United players have reportedly all signed a unified off-pitch standards agreement this season, according to Stephen Howson.
Following a disappointing campaign that saw Ruben Amorim’s squad finish in the lower half of the Premier League and miss out on European qualification, the club is pushing for a major turnaround. ..Continue Reading
Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag last November, faces mounting pressure from the board to deliver results.
In preparation for the new season, United have brought in Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, with more signings expected.
Alongside their contracts, Cunha and Mbeumo have also committed to a club-wide code of conduct — a move Howson says has been extended to every player at Old Trafford.
The agreement reportedly covers everything from dress standards to fan engagement at official events.
“You know what I got told, the players have all had to sign an agreement this year for standards and things that they are doing on and off the pitch… mostly off the pitch,” revealed Howson.
“If they go to any event, it’s in there that you spend time interacting with the fans. Do not walk past fans,” he added. “There’s dress code stuff in there about how they are presented when they are out in public.
“There’s real severe stuff about lateness.”
Referencing Jadon Sancho, who was banished under Ten Hag, Howson said: “You would expect that level of professionalism already happens and is already in the contract but it’s clearly not.”
The standards set by Amorim and his staff are being prioritised above anything else, which Mason Mount has been vocal about during pre-season.
“From day one of preseason, it’s about standards and details,” said Mount. “Obviously on the pitch and off the pitch and really focusing on us as a group and what we need to do to be better and to perform. [Amorim] is massive on details.”
United opened their pre-season tour of the United States with a 2-1 win over West Ham United last weekend.
