Siddharth Juyal
Manchester United legend Roy Keane asserts that the players signed by Erik ten Hag weren’t up to the club’s stature
Manchester United legend Roy Keane claimed that the players signed by Erik ten Hag weren’t up to the club’s level. United gave Ten Hag the freedom to recruit according to his requirements since his appointment in the summer of 2022.
During his previous tenures at clubs like Ajax and Utrecht, the 53-year-old recruited many players with whom he had affiliations.. However, those players have failed to justify Ten Hag’s faith and have a significant impact on the Red Devils jersey.
The Red Devils have lost 12 games in all competitions already as they face Liverpool in the Northwest derby next. They are currently sixth in the Premier League table and have crashed out of the European competitions.
United finished fourth in the Champions League Group A, losing four games and only registering one win in the tournament. Furthermore, they crashed out of the Carabao Cup in the fourth round, failing to defend the title.
An injury crisis and poor individual performances have plagued United throughout the nightmare season, hindering their ability to establish consistency. Ten Hag has deployed multiple tactical approaches throughout the season but failed to remove the vulnerabilities in all departments.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane pointed out that Ten Hag’s signing failed due to United’s stature. He said:
“Man United’s been too big for some of the players, obviously. Whatever about styles of play, maybe the move for some of the lads from Holland, sometimes it’s a fact lads have gone to Man United and it’s just too much for them. Simple as that.”
United signed Ten Hag after the Dutchman earned a healthy reputation for the successful and attacking philosophy at Ajax. Many fans and pundits criticized the 53-year-old for forsaking that philosophy and deploying new strategies at United that have failed.
The Dutchman insisted that the use of a new approach is due to the players he possesses at the club. Many have rightfully argued that only the players that he has signed have failed to live up to the expectations.
More Manchester United News-
- Manchester United icon backs ‘mad dogs’ Liverpool to win 2-0 at Anfield
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- Manchester United legend tells Erik ten Hag he ‘can’t see’ his team winning vs Liverpool at Anfield
Whereas, once shunned players like Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire have played a pivotal role in saving United’s season somewhat. Ten Hag needs to rectify his error in recruitment during the January transfer window before it is too late.
