Erik ten Hag’s tough approach is not going down well inside Manchester United’s dressing room (Getty)
Manchester United’s players are growing concerned that Erik ten Hag’s hardline approach is having a negative impact on team morale, according to reports.
United delivered a dismal second-half display in their 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday which is now their fifth loss in the Premier League this season.
Ten Hag was furious with his players after their performance against Pep Guardiola’s side, while reports claim that some members of United’s squad questioned the Dutchman’s tactical choices for the game.
According to MailOnline, some of United’s players are unhappy with Ten Hag’s no-nonsense approach and feel the handling of certain teammates is having affecting team spirit.
Ten Hag has also showed no hesitation in publicly criticising his players if they fail to meet his demands.
Manchester United have already suffered five defeats in the Premier League this season (Getty)
In his post-match interview after United’s defeat to City, Ten Hag slammed United’s players for failing to stick to their gameplan, which allowed Erling Haaland to score City’s second goal shortly after half time.
‘Our game plan first half we were very disciplined, then you see how successful you can be,’ Ten Hag told Sky Sports.
‘But second half for the second goal we make a mistake. We make a wrong decision by going up to the keeper [Ederson] in the wrong moment and not recovering quick.
‘Then they get into the game, they get power in the midfield, they can switch the play, players coming in the wrong positions and they make a great goal.
‘But it started with us by making a wrong decision, not having our shape, then they will outplay you.’
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In his programme notes ahead of United’s Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle on Wednesday evening, Ten Hag said that he is ‘certain’ the squad will start to show signs of improvement.
‘At Manchester United, every game involves high stakes,’ Ten Hag wrote in United Review.
‘Every single day, there is pressure on everybody involved with this club, but those demands and standards are a challenge which we must always meet head-on. While this has not been the start to the season that we had all hoped for, I am certain that we have the talent and attitude as a collective to move in the right direction.
‘I believe that it is only a matter of time before we are showing our true selves. It will come, I am certain.’
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A rift is growing inside United’s dressing room.