Erik ten Hag ordered a change in pre-match preparation for Manchester United’s first Premier League game of the season against Brighton at Old Trafford.
United did not stay in The Lowry Hotel on Saturday night, as they usually do before home league games, and the squad arrived at Old Trafford before 11am.
Club sources have confirmed United are eating at the stadium in a suite, having adopted the approach for the friendly with Rayo Vallecano last week.
United have had to significantly change the hospitality configuration to relocate guests and accommodate the first-team squad on Sunday morning.
Due to greater demand for other matches in the future, United may have to relocate to The Lowry but the club is exploring options to maintain a similar set-up.
Spotlight on Ronaldo is ‘not fair’ – ten Hag
The Dutch manager responded to questions about the forward’s early exit from a pre-season friendly last week.
United were determined to accommodate Ten Hag’s request and put football interests first as they continue to rethink practices.
Under Sir Alex Ferguson, United occasionally assembled at The Midland Hotel for pre-match meals before home games. In the past, the squad used to dine at Old Trafford prior to games but the expansion of United’s hospitality sector forced them to use city centre hotels.
