An incredible piece of news has come out of Old Trafford that the Man Utd squad are unhappy under manager Erik ten Hag according to a report from Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol. We examine the claims and what they could mean for the club’s future.
‘Unhappy With The Style of Play’ – Man Utd Squad Express Their Frustrations with Playing Under Ten Hag
Disappointing Season Descending Into Chaos at Old Trafford
There can be no hiding from the fact that United’s performances have been underwhelming at home and in Europe this campaign. The Red Devils are on the verge of exiting the UEFA Champions League at the group stages and have very little chance of being involved in a contest for the Premier League title with the season just moving into December.
The manager has had an injury crisis to contend with, but has drawn criticism for some of his tactical decisions and has regularly been booed by his supporters after making questionable substitutions. There is a lack of clear tactical identity in the Man Utd squad and it appears the players are discontent with Ten Hag’s coaching methods.
There have been numerous off-the-field issues at the club since the Dutchman’s arrival but the one that has garnered the most attention is that of England international Jadon Sancho, who has been exiled from the first team. The handling of the former Dortmund star’s situation has reportedly upset some members of the dressing room.
‘The Players Don’t Know What They Are Running For’: Ten Hag’s Training Methods Begin to Cause Concern
If the revelations from Sky’s source are accurate, then it may be impossible for the former Ajax head coach to make peace with his squad. In his report, Solhekol provided some incredibly damning quotes, such as:
“Some of the players are confused about what is happening and he has lost elements of the dressing room. One source tells me that he’s lost about 50% of the dressing room.”
“Quite a few players are unhappy with the style of play, they also feel that they’re training too hard and they’re running too much during training and I was told that the players don’t know what they’re running for.”
Sky Sports News understands Erik ten Hag's management style has seen him lose the support of as much as half of the Manchester United dressing room 🔴👔 pic.twitter.com/FjKOycDRfX
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 4, 2023
In a surprising challenge to his authority, some players are believed to have personally advised the head coach to revise his methods of managing the playing staff:
“Some senior players have spoken to Eric ten Hag about where they feel the club is going wrong, they’ve spoken to him about their experiences of playing at other big clubs, and they maybe feel that he should be a little bit more touchy-feely.
“His man-management could be a little bit better.”
“I’ve also been told that a few of the players believe that he is too set in his ways and he’s too robotic.”
Read More: Fabrizio Romano: Man United Appreciate 15-Goal Bundesliga Ace With ‘Super Cheap’ Release Clause
The Sancho saga, which appears to have given the £73 Million signing no way back into the Man Utd squad has caused some tension:
“A few of the players are also unhappy at how Jadon Sancho has been treated. He’s got people in the dressing room who are close to him and he’s been totally frozen out because he’s refused to apologise to Erik ten Hag.”
A New Era is Approaching But Man Utd Squad Have Had Enough of Ten Hag
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is on the verge of completing his purchase of a 25% stake in the club and is set to take control of football operations. He will be inheriting a real mess, with a huge rift between the coaching and playing staff, FFP concerns and questions over the individuals in senior leadership roles at the club.
There will be a decision to be made as there are several high-earning talents in this Man Utd squad who will be very difficult to move on. If the relationships between the players and the manager cannot be mended, it could spell the end of the 53-year-old’s reign.
Despite struggling for goals and ranking mid-table for possession and % of passes completed, the club sit just outside the Champions League places, however, they have only managed wins against clubs currently sat in the bottom half of the table. Even those victories were often far too close to comfort.
Regardless, their league position still gives them hope that the season could be relatively successful if Ten Hag can make this Man Utd squad play to their full potential.
However, news of a rift in the squad could undermine Ten Hag and if results do not improve, Ratcliffe and INEOS may look to a new manager to lead the club and make the best use of his significant investment. It could be a turbulent time ahead for the Red Devils.
