Erik ten Hag admits that Manchester United are in deep trouble and need extreme measure to make things right

Despite facing criticism, Erik ten Hag recently signed a one-year contract extension with Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag admits that Manchester United are in deep trouble and need extreme measure to make things right

Erik ten Hag agrees that Man Utd needs major changes in order to perform better. (via IMAGO)

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag recently admitted that the club is in need of serious changes to enhance the club’s culture and performance. Moreover, the Dutchman backed former manager Ralf Rangnick‘s remarks about the club requiring ‘open-heart surgery.’

Erik ten Hag was appointed as the Red Devils manager in 2022, succeeding Ralf Rangnick who stayed in charge for just seven months. The 54-year-old’s time at Old Trafford has been marked by ups and downs, with the team finishing third and eighth in the EPL in two seasons. Since Sir Alex Ferguson‘s legendary tenure, the club has struggled to maintain its dominance. Additionally, Rangnick had determined that the club needed significant changes to address its issues.

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The former Ajax manager backed Rangnick’s analysis, acknowledging the challenges of rebuilding the club. In a recent interview, he highlighted the complexity of the task while being aware of the difficulties. He noted the significant challenges, despite working hard for two years. Moreover, the Dutch manager described the previous season as his toughest as a coach and highlighted the significant gap between United’s current state and their previous success.

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Rangnick was absolutely right. We have been working very hard on this for two years, but he said it exactly right: it is a thorough, very complex operation.
Erik ten Hag on Ralf Rangnik’s analysis (via AD)

United have undergone a major ownership change with Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquiring a 27.7% stake in the club last year. With new additions to the club’s management, the Red Devils are anticipated to enhance their performance.

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Erik ten Hag confirms Manchester United’s interest in Dutch center-back Matthijs de Ligt

In a recent interview, Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag confirmed the club’s interest in signing Bayern Munich center-back Matthijs de Ligt this summer. However, he stated that he is not the one pushing for the transfer of his former player.

Erik ten Hag on Matthijs de Ligt
Erik ten Hag opens up about Matthijs de Ligt transfer interest. (via IMAGO)

The center-back has reportedly set his sights on a reunion with his former Ajax boss at United, having already agreed on personal terms. However, the deal is yet to be finalized. Ten Hag hinted at his past interest in signing de Ligt for the club two years ago, but the player was already close to joining Bayern Munich from Juventus at that time. 

It remains to be seen whether De Ligt will come. I know Matthijs well and I will not deny that. I wanted to sign him two years ago.
Erik ten Hag on Matthijs de Ligt (via AD)

He also noted that the 24-year-old was not among the transfer targets he had proposed. Meanwhile, the club has finalized one defensive transfer so far, securing young talent Leny Yoro from Lille.

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