Zlatan Ibrahimovic criticizes Ten Hag's management at Manchester United.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has raised concerns about Erik ten Hag's approach to managing high-profile players, specifically mentioning Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho's struggles at Manchester United.
In 2022, the Dutch coach was appointed by Manchester United in an effort to bring stability to the team, both on the pitch and in the managerial position. Ten Hag's inaugural season at Old Trafford yielded success with a Carabao Cup victory and a top-four finish.
However, it also marked the end of Cristiano Ronaldo's second stint in English football, as he was released following a controversial interview in which he openly expressed his lack of respect for the current United boss.
Ibrahimovic, who had previously worked with Jose Mourinho during his time at Manchester United, shared his perspective on the challenges faced by a coach transitioning from a club like Ajax to the high-pressure environment of Manchester United.
He noted the fundamental differences in the two clubs, emphasizing that Ajax primarily nurtures young talents without major superstar figures, while Manchester United is known for its big-name players.
Ibrahimovic questioned whether these differences might affect the way the coach manages his players and how much time he has to prove himself. He also acknowledged the fans' desire for success and the pressure they place on the coach.
Jadon Sancho, an England international winger, is another player who has faced difficulties under Ten Hag's management, finding himself out of the first-team lineup.
Ibrahimovic expressed his confusion about why star players seem to struggle while working with a manager who is still searching for a consistent winning formula. He stressed the importance of having a clear plan and project to follow and suggested that, at times, the team's performance can be unpredictable due to inconsistent results.
With Manchester United's shaky start to the 2023-24 season, questions have multiplied, both about the team's performance on the field and the management decisions off it.
A recent unexpected 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace has only added to the pressure, especially with a Champions League clash against Galatasaray looming on the horizon.
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