‘Too big for him’: Merson higlights Man United’s biggest problem under Ten Hag | OneFootball

Manchester United have sacked Erik ten Hag and announced the appointment of Ruben Amorim as his replacement this week.

Ten Hag managed United for two and a half years and helped the side win the League Cup and FA Cup.

An underwhelming start to the 2024/25 season led to United cutting ties with the Dutchman.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson believes Ten Hag failed to improve the 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 achieved at Ajax.

Antony was undoubtedly United’s worst signing out of the 21 under his watch. The Dutchman was adamant he wanted the Brazil international at Old Trafford.

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

A similar sum was paid for Mason Mount last year, who had just 12 months left on his Chelsea contract.

United gave Ten Hag time to show improvement, but he failed to deliver.

Stats from transfermarkt.com.