Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was warned by United chiefs about the potential dangers of playing up his squad's chances of success prior to the start of the Premier League season.
According to a report from ESPN, United brass advised the incoming manager to be 'realistic' and temper expectations among his squad for the forthcoming season.
However, Ten Hag went against the advice, reportedly believing that it would repair morale and improve confidence levels across his team.
The former Ajax boss inherited a United team that had just endured one of the most disastrous seasons in the club's recent history, seeing off a final-day scare from West Ham to secure sixth place and qualification to the Europa league.