Manchester United: Erik ten Hag’s constant “crybaby” excuses don’t add up

Manchester United's Dutch manager Erik ten Hag (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United's Dutch manager Erik ten Hag (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Manchester United were humiliated at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion. While the performance from the players on the pitch was embarrassing in its own right, this post isn’t about the players. Instead, it’s a criticism of Erik ten Hag.

The Dutch manager who, credit where it’s due, is a contender for the best manager Manchester United have had since Sir Alex Ferguson, is not painting himself in good light at the moment. Firstly, there was the persistent blame-deflecting comments after he was put to managerial school by Mikel Arteta before the international break. Now, he’s deflecting the blame AGAIN after losing to Brighton.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag doesn’t make sense

Blaming the referees for making the obviously right decision against Arsenal is one thing, but his complains against Brighton really don’t make any sense. The Irish Independent has pinpointed accurately that Brighton’s team cost only a fraction of what United’s team did. Therefore, for Ten Hag to blame finances as the reason why his team can’t perform, is silly.

Particularly as a manager who was brought in to the club for his supposed tactical mind, money should be the least of his concerns. After all, it was his failed tactic which cost Manchester United the game. In fairness, he tried to fix an attacking problem by playing Marcus Rashford alongside Rasmus Hojlund, but it just didn’t work.

Described as a “crybaby”, this personality trait of Erik ten Hag where he refuses to accept responsibility and instead blames other factors is what will cost Manchester United. Until you have reached the level of success of Pep Guardiola, Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho, you should look internally for the blame, instead of other factors.

Do you think Erik ten Hag is to blame for Manchester United’s poor start to the season?