Manchester United chiefs ‘locked in blame game’ over Erik ten Hag ‘summer shambles’ – after Dutchman was handed a new deal before being sacked a few months later

Manchester United officials are reportedly wrapped in a blame game over their chaotic summer that saw Erik ten Hag handed a new deal and backed in the transfer market, before being sacked a few months later. 

United endured a difficult 2023-24 campaign, with their eighth place finish the club’s lowest in the Premier League era, while they also crashed out of the Champions League in the group stage.

There was significant speculation over Ten Hag’s future in the summer until Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s Ineos-led footballing structure decided to stick with the Dutchman and trigger a contract extension.

This came after a lengthy end-of-season review where several other managers were courted, with Mail Sport reporting how Thomas Tuchel even met with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco to share his potential plans for the club.

United then spent more than £200million in the summer market as Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs De Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte all joined the first team squad. 

Ten Hag led the chase for many of these stars, while his backroom staff was also reinforced by the arrivals of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Rene Hake, Andreas Georgson and Jelle ten Rouwelaar.

United’s footballing structure (pictured left to right – Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Sir Dave Brailsford, Omar Berrada and Dan Ashworth) decided to stick with Ten Hag despite a difficult 2023-24 season

The choice to stick with the Dutchman came after United beat Man City in the FA Cup final

However, United’s form failed to improve and Ten Hag was sacked last month with United languishing in 14th in the Premier League.

And, according to The Sun, the hierarchy at Old Trafford are now arguing over who was responsible for the unsatisfactory chain of events.

The club’s recruitment strategy is also under question despite the recent arrivals of sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox. 

Only former Bayern Munich star Mazaraoui has convinced thus far, with Yoro injured since pre-season.

Elsewhere, the Dutch pair of De Ligt and Zirkzee have also struggled to find their feet, while Ugarte is yet to fully adapt to the English game.

In fact, Zirkzee has netted just once for United across 17 appearances in all competitions. 

The report goes onto explain that Ratcliffe and Co were planning on dispensing with Ten Hag before the FA Cup final, yet United overcame arch-rivals Man City 2-1 following a brilliant display.

That result changed their minds on Ten Hag but his sacking just a few months later cost the club £15million.

Ten Hag was sacked in October after the Red Devils endured a difficult start to the season 

The Ineos-led footballing structure at United under Sir Jim Ratcliffe lost patience with Ten Hag

The Red Devils then shelled out more than £10m to secure the arrival of Ruben Amorim and his coaching staff in what has proved to be an expensive exercise. 

Amorim will take charge of his first United game this Sunday when they travel to Ipswich as the Portuguese looks to turn the club’s season around. 

United sit 13th in the Premier League, while they are 15th in the Europa League League Stage after winning only one of their four games so far. 

Speaking for the first time last week since taking the job, former Sporting Lisbon boss Amorim warned his players that they must play ‘from day one without fear’ as he bids to be the man to turn United around.

‘We know it will take time and we will try to win time with the games,’ he said.

‘But we have to start since day one without fear, without thinking that [players] are not used to playing like this. This is not on my mind.

‘They will start on the first day with our idea, no matter what. That’s the goal.

United’s summer transfer business that saw them spend more than £200m is under scrutiny

United paid Sporting Lisbon more than £10m in compensation to bring in Ruben Amorim

‘I know that it’s going to be tough. I know it’s a massive challenge, but I feel quite relaxed.

‘I feel at home and I think that is important in the beginning. So, I’m very excited.

‘I know that the manager or head coach is so important in the club because you have in your hands the engine of the club. I understand that.

‘But I want to be part of something. I don’t want to be just in charge. So I want everybody together. It will be more fun and so much easier to reach the goals.’