I learnt a lot of things during my time at the club. I did everything good to win this league. If not for these three players I find it hard to sell, this team could have won everything. But because of them, all my plans failed with the rest of the team. So I hope Amorim deals with this situation and find a way to get this players out before it’s too late.”-Erik ten Hag sends warning to Ruben Amorim in his first major interview since Man Utd sacking as he reveals the reason he couldn’t get the best out of the players.

Erik ten Hag Cautions Rúben Amorim About Player Influence at Manchester United

In his first major interview since being dismissed as Manchester United’s manager in October 2024, Erik ten Hag has issued a stark warning to his successor, Rúben Amorim, about the internal challenges at Old Trafford. Ten Hag openly discussed the difficulties he faced during his tenure, specifically the influence of three players he struggled to remove from the squad.

“I Tried Everything, But They Sabotaged My Plans”

Reflecting on his time at the club, Ten Hag expressed frustration over his inability to implement his strategies due to resistance from within the squad. He emphasized that these three players played a significant role in derailing his plans and ultimately undermining the team’s success.

“If not for these players I couldn’t sell, we could have won everything,” Ten Hag stated. “They made it impossible for me to execute my vision.”

Although he refrained from naming them, his comments suggest that their reluctance to adapt to his leadership created a toxic atmosphere that contributed to his downfall.

A Warning for Amorim: “Act Before It’s Too Late”

Ten Hag urged Amorim to take swift action against these disruptive elements, emphasizing that a strong managerial stance is crucial for restoring the club’s success.

“I hope Amorim handles this situation and gets rid of these players before it’s too late,” he warned.

His statement underlines the need for a cultural reset within the squad to prevent history from repeating itself.

The Struggles of Modern Player Mentality

Discussing the broader issues in football management, Ten Hag pointed out a generational shift in how players react to authority and criticism. He noted that today’s footballers struggle to handle criticism, unlike previous generations who were more resilient.

“This generation takes criticism too personally,” he remarked. “Back in my day, players had much thicker skin and could handle direct feedback.”

This challenge highlights the evolving dynamics in football management, where traditional leadership methods may not be as effective as they once were.

Amorim’s Uphill Battle at United

Since taking over in November 2024, Rúben Amorim has faced an uphill battle in reviving Manchester United. The club currently sits in 15th place in the Premier League, a shocking contrast to its history as a title contender. Amorim has acknowledged that poor player performances have contributed to financial struggles and even job losses within the organization.

With the summer transfer window approaching, Ten Hag’s revelations have increased the pressure on Amorim and the club’s management to make significant changes. Fans and analysts are already calling for a squad overhaul, pushing for the removal of players seen as detrimental to team unity and success.

A Legacy Tarnished by Internal Conflict

Despite winning the League Cup and FA Cup during his tenure, Ten Hag’s time at Manchester United was overshadowed by internal disputes. His high-profile clashes with players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho, and Raphael Varane only deepened divisions within the squad, ultimately contributing to his departure.

A Lesson for Future Managers

Ten Hag’s candid remarks serve as a cautionary tale for Amorim and future Manchester United managers. His experience highlights the importance of maintaining discipline within the squad and ensuring that all players align with the club’s vision. As United strives to reclaim its former dominance, how the club handles these internal issues will play a crucial role in shaping its future.