Man United players ‘are concerned that Erik ten Hag does not have a strong enough personality’ to turn the crisis club around… but the squad are ‘encouraged’ by the new boss’ coaching credentials
- Manchester United players are reportedly unconvinced by new boss Erik ten Hag
- It is said that there is concern about whether he is a strong enough character
- Confidence and morale is at rock bottom at United after a disastrous campaign
- However, the squad are encouraged by ten Hag’s strong coaching credentials
Manchester United players are reportedly concerned that Erik ten Hag does not have the right force of personality to turn the club’s fortunes around.
The Dutchman was confirmed as United’s new manager last week after signing a £9million-a-year contract until June 2025.
He will begin work at Old Trafford after departing Ajax at the end of the season, but the team’s recent performances show that he has a mammoth task on his hands.
Manchester United players are unsure whether Erik ten Hag is the right choice to be manager
According to the Manchester Evening News, while United’s squad are encouraged by ten Hag’s ‘coaching credentials’, there is doubt over whether he is a strong enough character to lift the club after a disastrous season.
The Red Devils have lost three of their last four Premier League matches and have been cut adrift in the race for the top four in the process.
Confidence is at rock bottom and ten Hag will need to boost morale before he even starts implementing a playing strategy.
The 52-year-old has built a strong reputation as a coach and his transformation of Ajax has been impressive, but being at the helm of one of the world’s biggest clubs – and all the pressure and expectation that comes with that – is another assignment entirely.
It has been a disastrous season for United, who have lost three of their last four league games
Ten Hag has built a strong reputation through his transformation of Ajax in recent seasons
Gary Neville raised similar concerns about ten Hag on Sky Sports last month.
‘If you look at Pochettino and ten Hag who are the two that keep getting mentioned,’ he said. ‘Have they got the personality to come in to Manchester United?
‘The scale of the club, the issues that exist there at this moment in time – are they able to have the personality and character and the strategic planning of how to manage up and down?
‘To influence up, to take over the planning of the training ground, to redevelop the stadium, all the stuff you think a great manager would do. I’m not sure Pochettino and ten Hag have got that in them.’
Gary Neville has also questioned whether ten Hag is the right character to lead United
Marcus Rashford has endured a difficult season and has been linked with a move this summer
However, one player who is ‘looking forward’ to working under ten Hag is Marcus Rashford, according to the Manchester Evening News.
The 24-year-old has endured a difficult campaign and has been linked with a move away to Barcelona or Paris Saint-Germain to stop his career from stalling.
With ten Hag set to oversee a squad overhaul this summer, Rashford will be keen to prove his worth and earn back a regular starting spot.
