Manchester United coaches consider new tactic after Erik ten Hag relationship breakdown

Manchester United coaches are considering changing player management tactics after Erik ten Hag’s relationship with Raphaël Varane breaks down.

Erik ten Hag‘s stern and stubborn philosophy towards discipline has been a drastically different style to what Manchester United fans have seen in the past decade, with players such as Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho benefiting from the strict routines and punishments.

It has, however, caused problems with some players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho, with both players eventually leaving the club due to their differences with Ten Hag, the former already having done so and the latter likely departing Old Trafford in January.

Ten Hag, in recent weeks, has dropped Raphaël Varane in favour of Jonny Evans and Victor Lidnelof, and the Daily Mail report that the relationship between the pair has “practically broken down”.

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It is claimed that a “frank exchange of views” took place after Varane was dropped for Harry Maguire during last month’s Manchester derby, and the former French international has only made three appearances, all from the bench, since.

Varane is said to be “unhappy” that both Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelöf have been chosen ahead of him to play alongside Harry Maguire, and with this in mind, coaches have privately discussed changing management tactics.

Ten Hag’s strict rules have caused a few splits in the squad, especially in relation to Jadon Sancho, with some players believing the winger’s treatment has been harsh while others see it as fair after Sancho claimed Ten Hag was ‘scapegoating’ him to the media.

The report explains that some coaches feel it may be better to adopt a softer approach to get all the United players onside as the club approaches a crucial run of games across December and the new year.

United currently sit sixth in the Premier League table and bottom of their Champions League group, and if they are to rescue their positions in either competition, they must galvanise the squad in the coming weeks.