Manchester United is one of the most successful football clubs in the world, with a legacy built on decades of dominance, trophies, and unforgettable moments. Yet, in recent times, the Red Devils seem to have lost their way, slipping from the pinnacle of English football.
For many, the current era under manager Erik ten Hag represents a slow but concerning decline. United legend Rio Ferdinand, never one to shy away from speaking his mind, has offered his candid take on the current situation at Old Trafford, pointing out the three crucial mistakes Ten Hag made in their recent game – despite the team winning. He also expressed his concerns about the INEOS takeover, which, according to him, is doing the club more harm than good.
The INEOS Takeover: A Step Back?
When INEOS, the multinational chemical company owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, became involved in the ownership of Manchester United, it was viewed by many as a potential lifeline for a club that had struggled under the Glazer family’s ownership. The Glazers had long been criticized for their financial approach, prioritizing profits over the club’s footballing success. Fans hoped that a new era under INEOS would bring about a fresh vision, modern strategies, and a return to glory.
However, Rio Ferdinand is among those who believe the INEOS ownership is not the solution many had hoped for. According to Ferdinand, the club’s struggles on the pitch and in the boardroom have persisted, with INEOS failing to address the deep-rooted problems plaguing the club. He expressed his frustration, stating, “INEOS is doing us more harm than good. This Ten Hag should have been sacked long before now because he’s turning our club into a mid-table team.”
Ferdinand’s concerns are not unfounded. Despite heavy investments in players, Manchester United’s performances have been inconsistent, and the club is failing to challenge for major titles regularly. In Ferdinand’s eyes, this is a direct consequence of poor decision-making, both on the pitch and at the boardroom level. He believes that the new ownership has not lived up to its promise of transforming the club and that the management under Ten Hag has been subpar.
Erik ten Hag’s Leadership Under Scrutiny
Erik ten Hag arrived at Manchester United with a strong reputation, having achieved success with Ajax in the Eredivisie and in European competitions. The Dutchman was expected to instill a disciplined and modern style of play at Old Trafford, reminiscent of the glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson. However, Ten Hag’s tenure has been marked by inconsistency, and according to Rio Ferdinand, he has made crucial errors that are holding the team back.
Despite a win in their recent match, Ferdinand was quick to point out three significant mistakes Ten Hag made that night, which could have cost them the game. The former United defender revealed these issues during his post-match analysis, highlighting how the manager’s decision-making continues to be a concern.
Poor Tactical Setup
Ferdinand’s first criticism was aimed at Ten Hag’s tactical setup. He argued that the formation and approach employed by United were too cautious, even against a weaker opponent. According to Ferdinand, Ten Hag’s decision to play with a defensive mindset hampered the team’s creativity and fluidity in attack. While Manchester United managed to secure a victory, Ferdinand believes they were too reactive rather than proactive, and this cautious approach will only hurt them in the long run, particularly against stronger teams.
Ferdinand explained, “We’re Manchester United. We should be imposing ourselves on teams, not sitting back and waiting for mistakes. That’s not the United way. Ten Hag’s tactics in this match were all wrong, and while we got the win, it could have easily gone the other way.”
Mismanagement of Key Players
Another major issue Ferdinand pointed out was Ten Hag’s handling of key players. The former defender believes that certain players are either being overworked or not used effectively in the team. He specifically mentioned the decision to start certain players in positions that do not suit their strengths. “There are players in this squad who can change games, but Ten Hag is either playing them out of position or not utilizing them properly. It’s baffling, and it’s holding the team back,” Ferdinand commented.
He also noted that the manager seems to be over-relying on certain players, which could lead to fatigue and injuries in the long term. “You can’t run players into the ground and expect them to perform at their best week in, week out. We’ve seen this before at United, and it never ends well.”
Lack of Adaptability
The third mistake Ferdinand highlighted was Ten Hag’s lack of adaptability during the game. Despite being ahead, there were clear moments when the opposition began to gain momentum, and according to Ferdinand, Ten Hag failed to make the necessary adjustments to counter this. The Dutchman’s reluctance to change his tactics mid-game or make substitutions when needed was a major concern for Ferdinand.
“Great managers know when to make changes, even when you’re winning. The game can turn in an instant, and Ten Hag didn’t react quickly enough when we were under pressure. That’s worrying, especially when we’re playing against stronger teams in the league and Europe.”
The Call for Change
Rio Ferdinand’s criticisms of Erik ten Hag reflect a growing sentiment among certain sections of Manchester United supporters who believe that the club is stagnating under the current management. While Ten Hag has delivered some positive results, the inconsistency and questionable decision-making continue to raise doubts about his ability to lead United back to the top.
As for INEOS, Ferdinand’s comments add to the mounting concerns about whether the company’s involvement is truly beneficial for the club. Many fans expected INEOS to usher in a new era of success, but for Ferdinand, it seems that the change in ownership has yet to produce the desired results.
Ultimately, Ferdinand’s call for Ten Hag to be sacked and his concerns about INEOS’s ownership reflect a larger debate about the direction Manchester United is heading. While the win may have masked some of the underlying issues, it is clear that both on and off the pitch, Manchester United faces significant challenges in its quest to return to footballing greatness.