Erik ten Hag has claimed the club broke their promises to him during his Old Trafford tenure, while also defending the way he handled Cristiano Ronaldo and revealing his anger at failures to secure transfer targets.
The Dutchman, who was in charge of United from 2022 to 2024, won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup but became increasingly inconsistent and fell out with the club’s hierarchy.
United’s failure to keep promises on recruitment and support after confirming Ten Hag for 2024 following the end of season review was what Ten Hag told The Athletic was ‘disappointing’.
“They promised me loyalty, they promised me backing, they promised communication, that we get aligned,” he said. “But the promises, they didn’t keep.”
The biggest disappointment was, however, undoubtedly the sale of Scott McTominay to Napoli in 2024. Ten Hag said he had an understanding with the club that the Scotland international would stay, thanks to his scoring record and mindset.
“I said, ‘No sell Scott McTominay.’ He said we would be on the same page in the transfer window,” he revealed, until the eventual choice left him “ashamed and angry”.
Ten Hag Slams United’s Dressing-Room Culture
The ex-Ajax boss also suggested United had fostered a ‘toxic culture’ in the dressing room by letting the players have too much say.
“They are perpetuating the toxic environment, they are creating that environment, they’re handing the players the power,” said Ten Hag.
He raised concerns about the former Real Madrid trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Casemiro, claiming that their way was not compatible with the process of building the team.
Ronaldo Feud and Missed Signings
Ten Hag said. “I have to take a lot of things in the face and I accept that for the long-term good of the team.”
“He let the team down, and he let me down, because we planned with him,” Ten Hag said, claiming the Portuguese forward found it hard to adapt to his system physically.
In addition, the Dutchman disclosed that his top targets for transfers were Frenkie de Jong, Declan Rice and Harry Kane, although United were not able to acquire them.
He felt new stars such as Rice and Kane could have been helpful to the club’s youngsters.
Even though he was critical, Ten Hag has said that he still wanted United to win.
“I really want United to win. I want them to be successful again. I want the club to be back where it once was,” he added.
