Erik ten Hag hits out at Man United’s ‘unimaginable’ number of ‘average purchases’ in recent years

Erik ten Hag criticized Manchester United’s transfer policy before his arrival, saying he needs to make big changes to turn the team’s fortunes around.

United finished sixth in the Premier League last season, 13 points out of the top four, leaving Ten Hag with a major rebuild on his hands when he joined the club in the summer.

The Dutchman has revealed that he was quick to identify the problems he was facing, criticizing the atmosphere in the dressing room and the level of players at his disposal.

Erik ten Hag was not impressed with the mentality or level of the players when he arrived at Man United

“Manchester United didn’t exactly have the fear factor last season,” Ten Hag told Voetbal International in an interview on home soil.

‘There was no spirit. I didn’t see any team dynamics in the squad. Mental resilience was very low. I saw him as a stranger, and I also noticed it in my first weeks at the club.

‘I observed the culture of the club. I asked ‘how did Manchester United get big?’

“The club has bought an unimaginable number of players in recent years who have not been good enough.

‘Most purchases have been average, and at United, average isn’t good enough. The United shirt is heavy.

In his first transfer window at the club, Ten Hag set out to put his stamp on the team by bringing in Casemiro from Real Madrid, while also adding Ajax duo Lisandro Martinez and Antony, plus Feyenoord left-back, Tyrell Malaysia. Christian Eriksen also arrived on a free transfer.

Ten Hag believes that it was crucial to bring a great personality like Casemiro in the summer

Ten Hag also wanted to add ‘fighters’ to his squad like the center-back Lisandro Martínez

Ten Hag admitted that he deliberately targeted players with big personalities and wanted people who were willing to fight for results on the pitch.

“Only real personalities, who can perform under great pressure, can play here,” Ten Hag insisted.

We needed personalities. That is why the acquisition of Casemiro was so important. Together with Raphael Varane, we now have a second player who has experience of winning titles.

Ten Hag has started to turn around United’s fortunes with the team in the top four.

‘Malacia, Martínez, Casemiro, Antony are all fighters, while Christian Eriksen is a technical winner and a great personality. We want the best of the best. Any player we bring to Manchester United must meet the highest standard.”

Ten Hag’s approach has started to pay off, with United currently in the top four, and they have progressed to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

The Red Devils also advanced to the next stage of the Europa League, edging their FA Cup opener against Everton on Friday.