Alderweireld says Pochettino demands fitness and team discipline

Former Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld has described Mauricio Pochettino’s demanding approach to management as Manchester United consider what they need from a manager.

Alderweireld says Pochettino expects players to put the team before themselves and follow his plan.

He says the coach closely monitors players and treats fitness as essential to performance.

That emphasis may matter at United, who rank in the league’s bottom five for distance covered and high-intensity runs this season.

Alderweireld says Pochettino’s pressing style requires players to run hard and compete, and that his pre-season training is demanding.

He says United’s players would notice the higher standards quickly, but no appointment or next step is stated.