Erik ten Hag delivers on ‘Mini Pep’ prediction as Man Utd stars feel wrath of manager
Erik ten Hag was described as “very disciplined” before he became Manchester United’s new manager – something Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford have come to realise.
The Red Devils revealed Ten Hag would be their next manager last April and he started work at Old Trafford the following month. He’s done well during his time in charge – guiding United to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup by beating Charlton on Tuesday night.
Ten Hag was billed as a disciplinarian and a ‘Mini Pep Guardiola’ when news of his appointment broke nine months ago. He’s certainly proved himself as the former, as he gave Ronaldo the boot after he criticised him in a sensational interview with Piers Morgan.
Ten Hag was not a well known figure in England when he was hired by the Red Devils, despite winning six trophies at Ajax – including three Eredivisie titles. As such, those who knew more about the incoming United boss were happy to enlighten the British press.
One such individual was Steve McClaren. Ten Hag was the former England manager’s assistant at Dutch side Twente more than a decade ago. In a switch of roles, McClaren was then appointed as Ten Hag’s assistant at Old Trafford last May.
Before taking that position, however, McClaren discussed Ten Hag’s credentials during an interview with The Telegraph last April. “Erik is very disciplined and people have to buy into that and have that work ethic,” said the Englishman.
“Tactically he’s outstanding. He worked with Pep [Guardiola] at Bayern Munich and took in his philosophy too. They called him ‘Mini Pep’ out there. He’s ready. A lot of top clubs in Germany and England will be out to get him.”
McClaren went on to say: “His great strength lies not just in his attention to detail and organisation. He has a clear philosophy of how he wants to play football; the environment he wants to create. The player progression programme was a key part of Twente.
“He has done that at Ajax too, for each player from the academy to the first team. You look at Hakim Ziyech and now the striker Antony, a very good player who will be the next one to go [to United in August 2022]. I have seen this Ajax team and it’s very good.”
Ten Hag’s no-nonsense approach is working a treat for the Red Devils. They are fourth in the Premier League – nine points behind leaders Arsenal and two ahead of Tottenham in fifth. United also have a game in hand on Antonio Conte’s Spurs.
Ten Hag’s side have also reached the knockout stages of the Europa League – where they will face Barcelona – and are still going strong in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. They will discover their semi-final opponents for the latter competition on Wednesday night.
Ten Hag’s reputation as a disciplinarian was evident after he dropped Rashford – who is arguably United’s best player right now – for their New Year’s Eve clash against Wolves. The forward was punished after turning up late for a team meeting
Luke Shaw’s reaction to Rashford’s punishment spoke volumes. He told BT Sport: “I think at a top club it has to be like that, people can’t do whatever they want. Maybe that’s been part of the problem in the past with people getting away with silly little things but the manager takes that into consideration. You see today, if you’re not keeping the standards high then you won’t play.”
Ten Hag also took action when Ronaldo criticised him. “I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me,” Ronaldo told TalkTV host Morgan in November. “If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never gonna have respect for you. If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never gonna have respect for you.”
Ronaldo’s contract was terminated by mutual consent later that month and he now plays for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr – all but ending his career as a top European footballer.
