Erik ten Hag branded “never brave enough” by Manchester United Academy staff, three examples given

According to a new report, some within Manchester United feel that Erik ten Hag could have taken a greater interest in the club’s Academy.

Manchester United have parted ways with Erik ten Hag after a difficult season that left the club sitting 14th in the Premier League and 21st in the Europa League.

While a string of poor performances had already put ten Hag under pressure, the final straw was a 2-1 defeat to West Ham United in East London.

Read More: Paul Scholes names Man United’s Ruben Amorim alternative who won the Champions League

Ruud van Nistelrooy has been appointed as caretaker manager as United begin their search for a permanent successor.

Although all reports point towards this being Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim, the two clubs are yet to finalise a deal that will see the Portuguese manager transfer to Old Trafford with immediate effect.

Academy feelings on Ten Hag

Although Ten Hag regularly used youngsters such as Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho in his first-team squads, some club staff feel that the Dutchman could have used the Academy more.

This is according to the Manchester Evening News. The report states one source commented that Ten Hag was “never brave enough”in relation to playing youth playesr and questioned why the manager refused to use the academy in situations where it was the obvious solution.

Futher, it was explained that some staff feel Ten Hag chose to watch caaddemy games in person when it suited him publicly, and that the new wall installed around the first-team training pitch has created a sort of segregation.

Three examples given

Within the report, two examples from this season were given as to times when Ten Hag’s decision making caused greivences within the academy set-up.

Firstly, there is said to be a surprise that young left-back Harry Amass has been overlooked this season. After performing well in pre-season, Amass was ignored for the Community Shield fixture in August despite Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia being unavailable, which raised eyebrows.

Futher, there were two more exmaples during the 7-0 win over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup in September that irked staff. Firstly, Amass was again overlooked as Toby Collyer filled in at left-back over him against the League One opposiiton.

Then, with 30 minutes left to play and United already 5-0 up on the night, Ten Hag chose to subtitute on Bruno Fernandes over young striker Ethan Wheatley, despite the fact that the planw as ot rest the Portugese international on the night.

However, it must be noted taht Ten Hag gave debuts to Mainoo, Wheatley, Charlie McNeill, Dan Gore, Willy Kambwala and Omari Forson during his time at United, although three of these playesr are no longer at the club.

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