Erik ten Hag was not the most popular manager among players, David de Gea’s reaction says it all | OneFootball

Manchester United’s 1-2 defeat at the hands of an out-of form West Ham on Sunday which left the Red Devils languishing 14th in the Premier League table finally pushed INEOS over the edge.

After months of dilly-dallying, they sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday and placed Ruud van Nistelrooy in interim charge. The new co-owners were forced to pay a lot more due to their indecision.

The results were dire while the team exhibited no clear patterns of play with senior player questioning the Dutchman’s bizarre selection calls.

Ten Hag leaves the club having won two trophies and he did not build the best of relationships with quite a few of his players with his time characterised by plenty of dressing room uproar.

EtH sacking reactions

While a few players like skipper Bruno Fernandes spoke in his support following the club’s decision, there were a few like David de Gea who clearly enjoyed the brutal sack.

The Spaniard, once regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers in the world, struggled in the former Ajax coach’s first season, both while trying to play out from the back and in goal.

The Spain international let in easily avoidable goals while struggling with his feet and despite the most clean sheets, Ten Hag deemed it appropriate for the club to let him go in the summer of 2023.

De Gea departed the club after 12 years and sat on the sidelines for over a year, waiting for the right project. He eventually joined Fiorentina this summer.

He shared a pinched fingers emoji on social media, often associated with being happy with something and it was a not so subtle dig at Ten Hag following his departure.

United had taken the right decision to let the Spaniard go and his reaction is not the best look for De Gea. But it was telling that plenty of former players are not too fond of the Dutchman.

Former United defender Raphael Varane, who has retired from the game following his summer departure, was also spotted liking the post announcing the Dutchman’s dismissal.

Plenty of falling outs

Last season, there were reports of a falling out between the pair with the Frenchman not part of the squad for quite a few games.

It is not possible for a United manager to be friends with every player but Ten Hag certainly rubbed quite a few players the wrong way during his tenure.

While the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho were deemed necessary, his treatment of Amad Diallo and his preference for his former proteges have not gone down well among many.

United will hope to enjoy the new manager bounce come Wednesday when they take on Leicester City in the Carabao Cup, hoping to kickstart a winning run.