Erik ten Hag feels “let down” by three Manchester United stars, one is free to leave Old Trafford

According to a fresh report, Erik ten Hag is feeling “let down” by three of his former Manchester United stars after being sacked from his role at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag has been relieved of his duties as Manchester United‘s manager after a turbulent season that sees the team languishing in 14th place in the Premier League and sitting 21st in the Europa League.

Although disappointing results have been a recurring issue, the decisive factor in ten Hag’s dismissal was a 2-1 loss to West Ham United in East London.

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Ruud van Nistelrooy has temporarily taken charge as caretaker manager while United finalise an agreement with Sporting for Rúben Amorim to become Ten Hag’s permanent replacement. United have signalled their intent to pay Sporting’s £8.3 million release clause, but there is a sticking point.

Amorim has a 30-day notice period embedded into his contract, and the club are demanding United pay extra money to waive this agreement as well as a further £4.1 million to buy his coaching staff out of their contracts as well.

Three players ‘let Ten Hag down’

While there is little doubt that the Dutch manager’s sacking was due to poor performances on the pitch, many have blamed Ten Hag.

Various reports have explained that some United players felt his ideas were not being communicated properly or were not tailored to suit his players’ abilities on the pitch.

However, a report from the Daily Star has claimed that Ten Hag feels Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, and Antony mainly “let him down”.

Rashford has just one goal so far this campaign in the Premier League, but he has four goals in total and three assists. Only Alejandro Garnacho has been involved in more goals.

Casemiro scored Ten Hag’s last goal, the lone strike for United against West Ham, and netted twice against Leicester City after the Dutchman was sacked.

Meanwhile, Antony has not played much of a part in significant games this season and left the field against Fenerbahce with an injury last week.

Although it can be argued that all three players performed sub-optimally last season and so far this campaign, it would be harsh of Ten Hag to blame this trio for his sack, considering he has consistently struggled to get his side to perform to expectations.

Antony is free to leave

According to talkSPORT, United are set to cut their losses on Antony following Ten Hag’s sacking, and that he can leave United when the window opens in January.

The 24-year-old Brazilian has scored just five Premier League goals since his summer 2022 move from Ajax.

It is claimed that his former club, as well as Brazilian side Flamengo, are interested in seeing him return, but the club knows they will take a massive financial hit when he’s sold as they will not be able to recoup much of the £86 million fee they signed him for.

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