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Erik ten Hag underlined 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 bumpy start to the season has been about unity and fostering the same togetherness that served United well during Ten Hag’s first season in charge. The Dutchman also wanted to thank the families of the players and staff for their support.

The United squad turned up for the day which was well received by the players following an equally popular club-wide event at Old Trafford last month.

The families were treated to what was described as a healthy barbecue, with a number of activities laid on for the children including a bouncy castle, face-painting and entertainers.

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

The event is said to have been planned some weeks ago and Saturday night’s morale-boosting win at Burnley meant it went with a swing.

It has taken some of the heat off Ten Hag following a tough start that saw United lose four of their first six games. Three of those defeats came away to Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Tottenham, however, and United hope to pick up with a run of more winnable fixtures.