Siddharth Juyal
Football pundit Jermaine Jenas asserts Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is “not good enough” for the club
Football pundit Jermaine Jenas claimed that Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is not good enough for the club. The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder questioned the tactical approach of the United manager and his decision-making in player recruitment.
The Red Devils are struggling to find their footing in the current season, showcasing vulnerability all over the pitch. United have lost nine games from 18 matches in all competitions in the current season.
Ten Hag’s senior team is suffering from an injury crisis and poor individual performances as the manager failed to find the right balance. The Manchester giants have conceded 30 goals and only managed to score 25 goals.
Speaking on Talk Sport (h/t Manchester Evening News), Jenas said that Ten Hag has not bought players according to United’s standards. He said:
“There’s no cohesion. I don’t think he’s good enough. I’ve not seen anything in his style of management that makes me think he’s the right man to take them in the right direction. I can’t see what his plan is based on the players he is buying – that’s a big one for me. All he’s buying is what he knows rather than what is good for Manchester United.”
United appointed Ten Hag during the summer of 2022 after the Dutchman’s successful tenure at Ajax. The 53-year-old earned a global reputation and success due to his attacking philosophy at the Dutch club that dominated Europe.
The United boss became the first Ajax manager since Loius van Gaal to reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2018-19. Van Gaal achieved the feat during the 1996-97 season, making Ten Hag’s achievement so special.
United fans and experts criticized Ten Hag for forsaking the successful philosophy that earned him the Red Devils’ job. The 53-year-old has attempted to accommodate the current players with different approaches that failed badly so far this season.
Nevertheless, Ten Hag has received full backing from the United hierarchy to sign the players he wants. The Dutchman has spent around €450mil. on the transfer market since his arrival at the club.
The United manager has deployed a rigid 4-2-4 formation against FC Copenhagen and Luton Town before the November international break. The promising display of the formation in spite of the unfortunate loss against Copenhagen requires further observation before anyone can assess it.
More Manchester United News-
- Manchester United are facing fresh injury crisis with Marcus Rashford and Andre Onana during the November international break
- Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof expects that the club to extend his contract
- Brazilian manager Fernando Diniz upset with the absence of Manchester United star Casemiro
Ten Hag need to build some winning momentum as the Red Devils head into the congested fixture in December. United will play must-win games in the Champions League and need continuous results in the Premier League to challenge for the top four.
