Ten Hag’s hardline approach is affecting team morale as internal conflicts damage squad unity as per reports.
Pressure is mounting on Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after another abject defeat on Wednesday night.
The Red Devils bowed out of the Carabao Cup fourth-round with a woeful 3-0 home loss by Newcastle United in a tepid performance.
It was a second-straight 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford after a humiliating trouncing against bitter rivals Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.
United have endured a difficult start to the season, they currently sit eighth in the Premier League having lost five of their opening 10 matches and are outside the Champions League knock-out qualification places.
The Dutchman has built a no-nonsense reputation since arriving at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 – and has had issues with a number of players since his appointment, most recently Jadon Sancho.
The hardline Dutchman has been applauded for the way he has ruthlessly dealt with a number of issues involving high profile members of his squad over the past 18 months.
Figures within the United squad believe Ten Hag’s handling of certain individuals has had a negative impact on team togetherness.
The 53-year-old’s position in the hotseat is becoming a source of contention among fans – with supporters either calling for him to stay and be given time to rebuild to leave as soon as possible.
‘These players seem to have a problem with every manager. They are a disgrace,’ one fan wrote in support of Ten Hag; while another stated: ‘I just want ETH to gut this squad and throw out every single one of these moaning grifters. The latest excuse..? The socks are too tight! I’m not even joking.’
Another reader put: ‘Perhaps the one thing that Ralf Rangnick got right was upon on his departure saying the whole squad needed culling – it didn’t happen, so get on with it now Erik!!’
‘I’ve been a Man Utd fan for 45 years. Most of these players need a good kick up the backside. They’re a bunch of overpaid babies,’ wrote one frustrated supporter. ‘I just wish the club had the balls to replace most of the 1st team with the youngsters and start from scratch, even if it means relegation for a season or two.’
‘The players are weak, they genuinely need to start from scratch,’ put another.
‘SACK Ten Hag he’s the problem,’ stressed one; while another put: ‘The manager is out of his depth with World class players he was OK in the Dutch Mickey Mouse league.’
Another reader cited Tottenham as an example of the way to go following the improvement since Ange Postecoglou’s arrival compared to his predecessor Antonio Conte.
‘Look at Spurs. All the fans were backing Conte and saying it was the players yet look at them now under Ange. The rot starts with Ten Hag #FACT.’
There was one reader with a balanced viewpoint though – citing that the players and Ten Hag are both at fault.
‘The truth is the manager and the players are not good enough. They moan and lash out, but they are way behind the top clubs.’