Former Manchester United coach René Meulensteen has spoken about the challenges facing Erik ten Hag, describing the 'negative pressure' around the club as 'too ridiculous for words'. Meulensteen, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford and was Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant from 2007 to 2013, still lives near his former boss in Wilmslow and regularly seeks his advice.
Reflecting on the recent deaths of Sir Bobby Charlton and Lady Cathy Ferguson, Meulensteen highlighted Charlton's humility and importance to Ferguson's early years. He praised Charlton's understated nature, recalling a tour in Dallas where Charlton chose to sit apart from the team to avoid disturbance.
Meulensteen expressed sympathy for Ten Hag, noting that United now lack the stability and alignment that defined Ferguson's era. He criticised the club's managerial turnover, with six managers in ten years, and questioned the backing given to previous incumbents such as Ole Gunnar Solskjær, who was denied signings including Harry Kane.
Now assistant manager of Australia's men's team, Meulensteen is preparing for World Cup qualifiers. He credited Ferguson's continued influence, saying any advice from him is 'valuable'. His book, 'United, Sir Alex and Me', details his journey from academy coach to Ferguson's right-hand man.
