Erik ten Hag has been ‘let down’ by certain senior Manchester United players who avoided their responsibilities, according to Emmanuel Petit.
Since his appointment as manager of the Red Devils in 2022, Ten Hag has lifted two trophies – an FA Cup and a League Cup – but also faced his fair share of criticism. His navigation of transfer markets and team set-up has been a hot topic among pundits, supporters and former professionals, with particular scrutiny following heavy losses to fierce rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
However, ex-Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Petit has pointed out that Ten Hag should not bear all the blame for the club’s issues. Speaking to Top Offshore Sports Books, Petit highlighted the manager’s commitment to promoting young talent, like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, who have become critical squad members.
He also acknowledged Ten Hag’s persistent efforts to “do his best” and foster “discipline” at Old Traffo rd. Petit said: “Erik ten Hag absolutely deserves credit for giving younger players an opportunity. You cannot say that everything Erik ten Hag has done so far has been bad. Definitely not.
“Ten Hag is not the only one responsible for the situation at Manchester United. He has tried to do his best in a difficult environment at Manchester United.”
Petit went on to criticise the attitudes of more experienced United players, insisting that they should be setting an example for the younger squad members. He said: “I think he should be very upset about the behaviour of some of his senior players, and I think he has tried to add some discipline to the club. We’ve seen that in his management.
“It’s a pity that the youngest players have to set the right example on the pitch. I want to see senior players taking some responsibility. We’re talking about some players that have won absolutely everything in the game; huge, huge medals, and they’re giving him nothing.
“Ten Hag has made mistakes, of course he has, but he’s been let down by some very experienced players far too often.”
Despite facing ongoing rumours about his job security, Ten Hag clinched two trophies within his initial two years in charge at United. Although last season proved challenging with United only managing an eighth-place finish, the FA Cup triumph provided some solace – leading Sir Jim Ratcliffe to confirm his faith in the Dutch manager with a renewed contract.
Nevertheless, this season has had a turbulent beginning for United, achieving just two victories from their opening four Premier League fixtures, which notably featured a demoralising 3-0 loss to arch-rivals Liverpool.
United kicked off their Carabao Cup campaign in style on Tuesday night, though, providing a boost for manager Ten Hag. The Red Devils thrashed League One side Barnsley 7-0, with Marcus Rashford netting twice, Antony scoring from the spot, and both Alejandro Garnacho and Christian Eriksen bagging doubles too.
Ten Hag will be hoping his team can maintain their winning momentum from victories over Southampton and Barnsley. They face Crystal Palace in the Premier League this coming Saturday evening.