Erik ten Hag has explained why Man United will never play his attack-minded Ajax brand of football.
Manchester United’s season has been borderline disastrous. Let’s be honest. The Old Trafford club have had off-field issues hanging overhead, while injuries have also played their part. However, Erik ten Hag’s side haven’t looked great in a single league game this season. That’s a serious cause for concern.
Yesterday’s Manchester derby was just more damning evidence of the simple truth that United are so far behind their rivals in every single aspect right now. The immense disappointment among the fans is now loud and clear.
Among one of the many concerns this season is a lack of identity. I genuinely cannot sit here and tell you what the plan is. Honestly, what are we good at? For City, it’s about keeping possession, working hard and playing with courage. United do not have one single outstanding quality that they can hang their hat on.
Stylistically, what’s the plan? Well, one thing we will not see is his free-flowing Ajax style of play. The gaffer explained why he will never introduce that style at the Theatre of Dreams…
When asked directly about introducing the Ajax style of play at Man United, Ten Hag said:
‘Never. We will never play that football. Because those were different players.’ Ten Hag told the media, per The Metro.
‘This is also not why I came here. We are playing different football than I showed at Ajax because I have to, because I can’t play the same way.”
‘The players decide how you play. Ajax has a very typical and characteristic style of play, with Manchester United I will always show different football, I did so last year as well.
‘We play much more direct football here because I have the players for that here.’
I understand the need to base their style on the players you have at your disposal, but the best coaches in the world operate the other way. Pep Guardiola takes his same style of play with him everywhere he goes. The players have to adapt to him. Not the other way around.
I’d also point to the fact that he tried to sign players he felt comfortable with last summer. It’s why big money was spent on both Antony and Lisandro Martinez. They were signed to help transition this side into Ten Hag’s fast-paced high-pressing style. It’s fair to say it has not worked.
The desire to showcase his flexibility is perhaps holding him back somewhat. I always find that it’s better if you stick with what you know – particularly when the pressure is on, just as it is right now. That said, I still cannot explain one thing that United do at an elite level. They’re bad in every single aspect at this point in time – and that has to fall on the manager’s shoulders.
Do you think Erik ten Hag is now under serious pressure at Man United? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
