“Erik ten Hag loves having problems with players he don’t like. He is already doing to him what he did to Sancho and Ronaldo. He might leave the club very soon. Paul Scholes reveals the theory behind Erik ten Hag’s drastic relationship with one Man Utd key player who is not happy at the club.
Paul Scholes has recently shared his thoughts on the relationship between Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and a key player, offering insight into the current situation at Old Trafford amid the club’s shaky start to the Premier League season. United’s struggles were evident once again during their recent goalless draw with Crystal Palace, further fueling concerns about the team’s performance under Ten Hag.
Scholes, a legendary figure in United’s history, highlighted that Ten Hag appeared eager to replace Harry Maguire with Matthijs de Ligt. Maguire has been under heavy scrutiny over the last two years, often receiving criticism from fans and pundits. His future at the club has remained uncertain, with speculation growing each season. Over the summer, Ten Hag acted decisively by signing De Ligt for £43 million, which Scholes suggests was part of a longer-term plan to eventually phase Maguire out of the squad.
During the Overlap Fan Debate, Scholes commented, “It seemed like Ten Hag couldn’t wait to bring De Ligt in; he was just looking for the opportunity.” This comment reflects Scholes’ belief that the manager had been anticipating this move for some time. As a result, Maguire, once a defensive stalwart for the club, now faces uncertainty as De Ligt steps into the spotlight.
However, Scholes remains skeptical about whether De Ligt is truly a significant upgrade over Maguire. “I’m not entirely convinced it’s a massive improvement,” Scholes remarked. “He might be slightly better, but not enough to make a huge difference.” His doubts emphasize the fine margins that exist in elite football, where even high-profile signings may not always have the substantial impact that is expected.
Scholes also discussed Ten Hag’s careful approach to integrating new players, pointing out how Manuel Ugarte, another summer signing, was introduced during the Liverpool match but then had to leave for international duty. This delay in his full integration reflects Ten Hag’s cautious strategy. Scholes mentioned that South American players often return late from international matches, making it challenging to immediately involve them in club games, which adds to the complexities of squad management.
Scholes also raised questions about Ten Hag’s squad rotation policies, citing De Ligt’s previous stint at Bayern Munich, where he was unexpectedly benched for Eric Dier, despite no obvious reasoning. Scholes suggested that this unpredictability raises concerns about Ten Hag’s rotation decisions and player selection. His comment, “So are we not allowed to rotate anymore?” hints at the possibility that Ten Hag’s reluctance to make changes could be limiting the squad’s potential.
Fans reacted to Scholes’ observations, with one fan remarking, “Scholes was an incredible player, but you just know he’d make a terrible manager.” This reflects the ongoing debate about whether exceptional players can seamlessly transition into effective managers or pundits, especially when their opinions on tactics contrast with the current approach of the team.
In conclusion, Scholes’ remarks provide an in-depth look at the ongoing issues at Manchester United. Ten Hag’s decisions, especially regarding Maguire and De Ligt, remain the subject of close scrutiny as the season unfolds. Only time will tell whether Scholes’ concerns are justified or overly cautious.
