Erik ten Hag Criticises the Mentality of the Manchester United Players in First Interview Since Exit 674261

Erik ten Hag has spoken out for the first time since leaving Manchester United, taking a swipe at modern footballers and their struggles with criticism.

The Dutchman, who won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup during his tenure, suggested that today’s players lack the resilience of previous generations, making management more difficult.

Ten Hag on Manchester United Players’ Mentality 2x3q4e

Despite winning silverware, Ten Hag ultimately failed to meet expectations at Old Trafford, leading to his sacking.

His stint was marred by disciplinary issues involving high-profile players such as Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Speaking to SEG Stories, Ten Hag highlighted how footballers today react differently to criticism compared to previous generations.

“This generation usually finds it difficult to deal with criticism,” he said. “Criticism really gets to them.

“The generation I grew up in had much thicker skin. You could be much more direct. I was approached much more directly.

“If I did that with my current group of players, I would demotivate them. If you do that to this generation, they find it offensive.”

Erik ten Hag thinks the current generation of players take criticism to heart much more 💔 pic.twitter.com/iDjXdjW2z1

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) February 25, 2025

Ten Hag on Modern Football Management 4q2r5w

Ten Hag’s most notable dispute during his time at Man Utd was with Jadon Sancho, which led to the latter’s exclusion from the squad.

However, the former Ajax coach insists that managing modern players requires a delicate balance.

Reflecting on past football management styles, he compared his approach to that of legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

“Ferguson belonged to a previous generation. With that generation, you could be much more direct in your communication and approach.

“A player of this generation will feel ridiculed if you approach them like that.

“With this generation, you choose different words and a different approach.”

Manchester United’s Continued Struggles Post-Ten Hag 5x496h

Since Ten Hag’s exit, new manager Ruben Amorim has struggled to turn things around at Manchester United.

The squad remains disted, and the club faces the prospect of a bottom-half Premier League finish, which raises questions about whether Ten Hag was the real issue or if deeper problems persist within the club.

However, Raphael Varane recently claimed that some players were surprised when Ten Hag received a contract extension last summer.

They gave Amorim 1 player in the transfer window and he looks the best player in the system! Says it all

— George Scaife (@Scaife51) February 22, 2025