Club is United in name only

IT IS obvious that the United board recruited Erik ten Hag based on the attractive football his Ajax team were playing.

Not long ago Ten Hag stated that this current group of United players were incapable of playing the Ajax style of football. It would be interesting to know if he mentioned this to the board in his interview for the manager’s job. If he had I doubt he would have been appointed.

The latest excuse from Ten Hag for the collapse this season is ‘the team overachieved last season.’ Why is that phrase taken as an excuse for failure? Surely it could be interpreted as being ahead of schedule and a launchpad for better things.

Another excuse used by Ten Hag is to say that this is a team that he inherited.

Considering the amount of players he has brought in over the last 18 months that statement is ridiculous. What is worse, the jury is out on many of these players. It is stating the obvious to highlight the fact that Ten Hag only falls out and ostracises players that he inherited.

Where was the wisdom in forcing Cristiano Ronaldo out and replacing him with Wout Weghorst? Raphael Varane is the player currently getting the cold shoulder treatment, which is a case of cutting off your nose to spite your face. Is Jadon Sancho wrong to say that he is being made a scapegoat while Antony gets a free pass? Was David De Gea not treated appallingly? This is hardly a picture of a club pulling together.

Regardless of all the above, the majority of the current squad need to be moved on in the next 18 months.

While age and injuries have to be taken into account, the biggest factor is a lack of ability on the ball in this United squad.

As for Ten Hag his inability to impose any recognisable style of play will be his epitaph.

Finally, how is it more exciting watching Luton Town than Manchester United?

Jack Haynes, Swinton