Erik ten Hag is refusing to bow to demands from senior Manchester United players for more days off and advanced notice of their training schedule.

The United manager is understood to have fielded several complaints from members of the players’ leadership group in recent weeks over their workload, with particular gripes over the limited number of rest days they are given and the squad’s inability to plan their time off.

United’s players are given a weekly training schedule by Ten Hag, who also reserves the right to make changes to it depending on results, whereas some players want to be able to plan further ahead.

The leadership group comprises a number of senior players including Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, Raphael Varane, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and reserve goalkeeper Tom Heaton, although not all of them have complained and the vast majority of the squad are supportive of the manager.

Erik ten Hag has fielded complaints from senior Man United stars about their workload

Marcus Rashford and Casemiro are among the members of the players’ leadership group

Whilst listening to their concerns Ten Hag’s response is understood to have been uncompromising in stating that the highest standards of dedication and sacrifice are required to play for a club such as United and that the players should be prepared to put their bodies on the line.

The Dutchman has granted occasional extra days off this season, but is convinced that the Premier League is becoming more physically demanding and makes no apologies for the demands he makes of his players.

United declined to comment.