Man Utd players’ private Ten Hag thoughts laid bare as Glazers idea backfires
Man Utd are making huge changes ahead of Sir Jim Ratcliffe coming into the club | Football Digest
Several Manchester United players are privately pointing the blame for the club’s poor start to the season at Erik ten Hag, according to reports. United’s commercial-driven pre-season schedule has come back to bite Ten Hag’s squad and is a problem fitting for the troublesome Glazer family regime.
The Dutchman enjoyed as successful a start as he could’ve imagined in his maiden campaign at Old Trafford.
United ended their six-year trophy drought by lifting the Carabao Cup, reached the FA Cup final and finished third in the Premier League, returning to the Champions League.
However, Ten Hag’s project has capitulated this term, with takeover uncertainty, off-field antics and relentless injuries adding to his woes.
The Red Devils have lost nine of their 18 games, including three defeats in four Champions League Group A fixtures and a Carabao Cup fourth-round exit to Newcastle United.
And in some sections of the dressing room there is a sense that Ten Hag is largely culpable for his squad’s early struggles due to over-ambitious preparation.
According to The Guardian, several senior United players believe they are finding it difficult to perform after being overworked during pre-season.
Click here to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive Man Utd news.
READ MORE Sir Jim Ratcliffe tipped to make double Man Utd signing as duo get green light[NEWS]
- Support fearless journalism
- Read The Daily Express online, advert free
- Get super-fast page loading
Those disgruntled over Ten Hag’s approach were said to feel as tired at the start of this season as they were after the last.
United played 62 games as they battled on all fronts last term, and a winter World Cup added to the workload. The sudden spike in long-term injuries across the game is likely no coincidence.
Ten Hag reportedly intensified United’s pre-season training in a bid to fast-track their path to becoming title contenders again.
He is claimed to consider his squad committed and understanding of the need to sacrifice to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.
However, the report adds that none of the players have aired their grievances directly to Ten Hag, highlighting a serious communication problem behind the scenes.
DON’T MISS
Mason Greenwood backed for Man Utd ‘second chance’ after return decision agreed[EXCLUSIVE]
Ronaldo row and Greenwood exit headline chaotic Man Utd year during Glazer saga[FEATURE]
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag set for unhappy new year with Glazers left fuming[NEWS]
The Glazers’ commercial-driven strategy certainly didn’t help matters after one of the busiest seasons in the club’s history.
United’s pre-season featured eight friendlies in Norway, Scotland, England, Ireland and the United States.
Across the Atlantic, Ten Hag’s squad travelled across three time zones to play in New Jersey, San Diego, Houston and Las Vegas.
There were suggestions of player discontent after Christian Eriksen publicly complained about the vast travelling on the tour. United must put sporting needs over commercial desires in future.
Source: Read Full Article