Mauricio Pochettino: What can Manchester United fans expect from new boss?

Alderweireld, 37, says Pochettino has a no-nonsense approach to management and that he can get the best out of a squad, as long as you do it his way.

“He is very approachable but you need to follow his plan. If you don’t follow his plan, you go on the side and you’re not coming back any more.

“You need to think about team, team, team. If you’re thinking about yourself, you’re gone.

“As a player you have your own life, your own situation but he says ‘look, I understand and you can talk to me about it but the team is number one’ – that’s the way it is and if you’re not following it, he’ll put you on the sideline.

“He’s straightforward, has his own ideas and maybe you agree with them or don’t, that’s up to you. But you need to follow him and I think that’s something Manchester United need – a big character, everyone in the same direction, following the plan and if not, no problem, you can go. He’s the main man.

“He’s a very smart man, knows how to talk to the press and what to say. He will create an environment like ‘it’s us against the world’ – we are getting fit, we are together as a team. It doesn’t matter what people say, let’s work together and get results together.

“At Spurs there was coaching staff but he will be there. He knows everything. If he’s not there, he’s looking at video and data. He knows everything about the players on and off the pitch – the players will be watched.

“He is, in a positive way, a control freak because he says your body is your weapon and it needs to be ready to perform.”