)
Manchester United's boss Erik ten Hag has given a real talk about the demands of playing for a top club like United.
In a candid reveal, Ten Hag acknowledged that some players struggle under the intense pressure of representing a team of Manchester United's caliber. Yet, he stands by the idea that signing for United is "the best challenge" any footballer could wish for.
Big Moves: Van de Beek and Sancho's Loan Saga
)
The latest from Old Trafford involves Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho. Ten Hag has given the green light for Van de Beek's loan transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt this January. Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho is set for a return to Borussia Dortmund, also on a loan deal. Both players arrived at United amidst high expectations - Van de Beek, once a Ballon d'Or nominee, joined from Ajax for £35m in 2020, and Sancho, one of Europe's most exciting young talents, came in from Dortmund in 2021 for a hefty £73m.
Ten Hag, however, is clear that the club isn't always at fault when star signings fail to shine. "That is always on those players and how much confidence you have in your capabilities but I can tell you one thing; the Premier League is tough," he said. "Man United; that is tough to play there because it's easier to play in almost any other team than Man United because the pressure is that high, always. You have to deal with that. But if you have confidence in yourself, this is the best challenge and this is definitely the best club you want to be at as a player. It depends from player to player, and it depends especially on the character of the player, their personality."
Sancho's form has dipped since joining United, resulting in a four-month exile after a public fallout with Ten Hag and a loss of his place in the England squad. Van de Beek, on the other hand, never cemented his place in United's midfield.
Injuries and Opportunities: The Struggle to Shine at United
)
Ten Hag delved into the reasons behind Van de Beek's underwhelming stint at United. "He has had many injuries, first of all," Ten Hag explained. "I worked with him for two years [at United] and before he was under different managers here. He had a loan before as well. Actually, from the first moment I came in here at Manchester United, he wasn't the player he was at Ajax because he was injured."
Ten Hag further elaborated on the tough competition within the squad. "So many times he was not available and then he struggled for a long time to recover from that injury. That is probably the main reason why he was not playing. We decided for a loan in the summer but it didn't come and then his opportunities are few because also we make appointments and we make agreements with players and contract players in that position. The competition was high."
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)