Several Manchester United players expressed their desire for a day off on Sunday following their 2-1 loss to Fulham on Saturday. This is despite the usual routine of warm-downs and video analysis with coach Erik ten Hag after a match day.
The unexpectedness of the request was heightened due to the lackluster performance, as it was something the manager typically does. The staff rejected it, reminding the players of their obligations, and it seemed that Ten Hag was not aware.
In November, the Guardian reported that certain United players felt that Ten Hag’s intense pre-season training caused the team’s slow start. They expressed concerns about starting the season feeling just as exhausted as they did after finishing the last one.
The defeat by Fulham ended a run of five consecutive victories, United’s best sequence of an uneven campaign. Ten Hag is under particular scrutiny owing to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 27.7% buy-in and the team being sixth, eight points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.
The owner of Ineos is carrying out a review of the organizational structure. He has made noteworthy changes by appointing Omar Berrada as CEO and bringing in Dan Ashworth from Newcastle to replace John Murtough as head of the football department. It is anticipated that Murtough will receive a new position and will decide whether or not to take it.
Prior to Wednesday’s FA Cup match against Nottingham Forest, Ten Hag accused Jamie Carragher of being partial in his evaluation of his managerial skills during the pundit’s appearance on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
Carragher stated that Manchester United’s defending during the beginning of the Fulham match was unprecedented. Ten Hag commented, “Certain analysts provide unbiased feedback and helpful suggestions, while others are more biased. Jamie Carragher has been critical since the beginning and is now trying to prove his viewpoint.”
However, Ten Hag did concur with Carragher’s statement. “He was correct in saying that in the first half hour. Fulham’s midfield set up was quite unexpected and we had to figure out a way to address it.”
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After selecting 19-year-old Omari Forson to play on the right wing against Fulham, the Dutchman extended his support to Antony.
“Antony has my continuous support,” he stated. “I am aware of his impressive talents and past successes, where he has proven to be unstoppable. His speed in the first 10 yards is unparalleled, making it difficult for defenders to stop him. I have confidence that he will rise to the challenge. He is determined and resilient, and I am firmly behind him. He must be patient for his opportunity and when it comes, he must perform at his best.”
Source: theguardian.com
