Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is driving his players hard in training during their 'free' weeks.
Chief among Van Gaal's methods as he tries to bring about fundamental change at Old Trafford are incessant passing drills that see the United players put through endless repetitive routines aimed at honing and developing new instincts.
"It can seem relentless but the players understand why Louis is doing it," a club source told the Daily Mail.
"The passing drills are incredible. It's just 'pass, pass, pass' until the manager and his coaches think the players are beginning to do it almost naturally and instinctively."
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