‘Too big for him’: Sky Sports pundit picks out Man United’s biggest problem over last 2.5 years | OneFootball

Manchester United have sacked Erik ten Hag and announced the appointment of Ruben Amorim as the new head coach this week.

Ten Hag managed United for 2.5 years and helped the side win two trophies (FA Cup and Carabao Cup).

A horrible start to the 2024/25 season led INEOS to cut ties with the Dutchman.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson believes Ten Hag failed to improve any of Man United players.

He said: “His biggest problem has been recruitment. I haven’t seen him improve a player that he has brought in. The players who were already there also did not improve.

“I think the job was too big for him. I don’t think he knew the Premier League. The players he brought in like Antony for £80 million, you have to understand that Dutch football and the English game are a lot different.”

There is no doubt poor recruitment never allowed Ten Hag to reach the heights he did at Ajax.

He used his transfer veto in an ineffective manner which failed to inspire United.

Antony was certainly United’s worst signing out of the 21 under his watch.

The Dutchman was adamant to have the Brazil international at Old Trafford.

Ajax played the hardball and forced the Red Devils to spend £86m to sign him in the summer of 2022.

The forward has bagged just five goals in 56 Premier League appearances and is currently the fourth-choice winger.

Ten Hag was also a part of the United’s think tank that decided to fork out £60m for 30-year-old Casemiro.

A similar sum was paid for Mason Mount last year who had just 12 months left in his deal at Chelsea.

INEOS gave Ten Hag the time to show improvements but he failed to deliver.

Stats from transfermarkt.com