Erik ten Hag admits he will ‘never’ be able to implement Ajax style of play at Manchester United

Erik ten Hag has admitted he will ‘never’ be able to implement an Ajax style of play at Manchester United. The Dutchman joined United from Ajax in April 2022, though his contract started four months later.

After spells with Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, United wanted to hire a manager with a forward-thinking philosophy to play on the front foot. Ten Hag enjoyed an impressive debut campaign at Old Trafford, where he blended the philosophy that saw him succeed at Ajax with United’s traditional counter-attacking style.

However, the Dutchman was expected to be firmer in his approach this season following the signings of Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund.

Ten Hag’s Struggles at Manchester United

But, if anything, United look further away from the type of team that many expected Ten Hag to produce. And the Dutchman has explained why he will ‘never’ introduce an Ajax style of play at Old Trafford.

Asked when he could introduce that style of play, Ten Hag said: ‘Never. We will never play that football. Because those were different players. This is also not why I came here. We are playing different football than I showed at Ajax because I have to, because I can’t play the same way.”

Ten Hag has lost seven matches this term and has been accused of ignoring his gameplan during the Manchester derby defeat. He has also been criticised for making a ‘reckless’ substitution during the match.

Why Ten Hag Can’t Implement Ajax Style of Play at Manchester United

Ten Hag has explained that he cannot implement an Ajax style of play at Manchester United because he does not have the same players as he did at Ajax. He said: ‘The players decide how you play. Ajax has a very typical and characteristic style of play, with Manchester United I will always show different football, I did so last year as well. We play much more direct football here because I have the players for that here.’

Conclusion

Erik ten Hag has admitted he will ‘never’ be able to implement an Ajax style of play at Manchester United due to the different players he has at his disposal. Ten Hag has struggled to get his team playing the way he wants this season and has been criticised for making reckless substitutions and ignoring his gameplan during the Manchester derby defeat.

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