A palpable sense of disillusionment is sweeping through the Manchester United dressing room, with a significant contingent of players now openly questioning the methods of under-fire manager Erik ten Hag.
The Mirror can reveal that a growing number of senior figures within the squad are becoming increasingly frustrated with the Dutchman's tactical approach and his perplexing in-game decisions. This crisis of confidence follows a dismal start to the season that has left the club languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Key Grievances Emerge
The players' concerns are multifaceted. There is a prevailing belief that Ten Hag's tactical instructions are overly complicated and frequently changing, leaving the team looking disjointed and devoid of any clear identity on the pitch.
Furthermore, his much-discussed handling of the Jadon Sancho situation has reportedly caused unease. While some players understood the need for discipline, the very public nature of the exile has been viewed as a harsh strategy that has created a tense atmosphere at the Carrington training ground.
In-Game Decisions Under the Microscope
Ten Hag's substitutions and tactical shifts during matches have also come under intense scrutiny from his own squad. Players have been left baffled by some of his choices, feeling that changes often hinder the team's rhythm rather than improve it.
This internal friction is seen as a primary catalyst for the team's shocking lack of form and consistency, which hit a new low with the recent 1-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace.
A Season Already on the Brink
With the campaign still in its infancy, the pressure is already reaching a critical mass. The club's hierarchy is aware of the simmering discontent, and the upcoming fixtures are now viewed as crucial for Ten Hag to not only secure results but also to win back the belief of his disillusioned playing staff.
The fear is that without a rapid and dramatic turnaround in both performances and results, the situation could become untenable, plunging one of the world's biggest clubs into yet another period of turmoil and uncertainty.
