Erik ten Hag was brutally labelled a “fraud” as rival coaches jested about him behind his back during the 54-year-old’s struggles as Manchester United manager, according to reports. United sacked the Dutchman on Monday, calling time on a two-and-a-half-year reign in which he lifted the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
Ten Hag’s position became untenable during an abysmal start to the season, which saw his side win just three of their opening nine Premier League games, losing four.
United have recorded just four victories in 14 outings in all competitions on the back of the club’s lowest-ever Premier League finish and Champions League group-stage exit last term.
According to the Independent, a senior member of the new-look INEOS hierarchy aired a sense of “I told you so” in recent meetings after United’s split stance on Ten Hag in the summer.
His job was under serious threat despite that indelible FA Cup triumph over Manchester City at Wembley in May during wholesale changes after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s part-takeover.
It’s claimed that Ten Hag’s tactics for that masterclass were initially different and built to go “toe to toe” against Pep Guardiola’s winning machine.
An internal debate led by coach Darren Fletcher is said to have prompted him to change his approach, a baffling development.
The report adds that “no one can understand why Ten Hag is still there” was a regular comment within the walls of Old Trafford and Carrington up until his dismissal.
And the doubts allegedly spilt externally, with rival managers privately criticising Ten Hag’s tactics and how easy it made United to play against.
An experienced coach is said to have harshly called the former Ajax boss a “fraud” to describe him as out of his depth – a sentiment shared by others.
There is now reportedly a sense of relief among players after many thought they were overworked, directly leading to physical frailties and injuries.
Not only was Ten Hag’s squad increasingly bemused by his tactics and team selections, but they also grew bored of his long training sessions, the report continued.
United are closing in on charismatic Sporting boss Ruben Amorim as Ten Hag’s replacement in the Old Trafford hot seat.
The Red Devils are reportedly in talks over triggering his £8.3m release clause, which would see him arrive in Manchester with immediate effect.
Amorim is believed to have already given the green light after two rounds of talks and could be in position as early as for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea.
