Erik ten Hag splits Man Utd stars into four groups including ‘underperformers’

Erik ten Hag has begun examining his team at Manchester United after being named the club’s new manager, with players divided into groups in preparation for his arrival.

According to rumors, new Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has divided his players into four groups, including “underperformers,” as he plans his Old Trafford makeover.

It was confirmed yesterday that the Dutchman will take over at the Premier League club after his current contract with Ajax expires. Ten Hag will have no illusions about the task ahead of him, and determining who to keep and who to axe will be critical to his success.

Throughout the season, the current crop of United stars has received harsh criticism for their performances and efforts. According to the Daily Mail, Ten Hag has begun categorizing his players in order to determine which players will be essential components of his long-term thinking.

One of those groups includes athletes he believes are at their best right now. Names like Bruno Fernandes and Raphael Varane are examples of this. The Portuguese star came in January 2020, followed by Varane 18 months later. Prior to joining Manchester, the Frenchman won the World Cup and the Champions League.

Ten Hag also has players he believes are ‘hitting their peaks,’ and he hopes to see them improve further. Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford are two players who have been chastised or questioned over the word. Rashford’s form has slipped significantly, and there has been talking of him looking for greener pastures.

With his contract expiring, England forward has been in and out of the starting lineup under interim manager Ralf Rangnick. United is facing a striker exodus this summer and will be hoping to keep Rashford. Ten Hag has also discovered players with promising futures.

Jadon Sancho, a summer transfer from Borussia Dortmund, needed some time to adjust but has been one of the team’s more outstanding performers this season. Hannibal Mejbri, Alejandro Garnacho, and James Garner are also expected to make an impact, with the former having an appearance in the recent Liverpool defeat.

There is no room for Harry Maguire or Cristiano Ronaldo on the reported list. The United captain has been the center of attention throughout the season, while Ronaldo’s future remains uncertain. While scoring often, the forward has been accused of changing the club’s approach and may struggle under Ten Hag’s ideology.

Following his appointment, the Dutchman stated, “It is a great pleasure to be appointed manager of Manchester United, and I am enormously delighted about the job ahead.” I understand the history of this wonderful club and the supporters’ enthusiasm, and I am committed to building a team capable of delivering the success they deserve.”