Manchester United’s 2024 season has been riddled with difficulties, both on and off the pitch, as the club continues to battle inconsistency and internal issues. One of the latest controversies surrounds young winger Alejandro Garnacho and his apparent reluctance to engage with manager Erik ten Hag during United’s recent 1-1 draw against Twente in the UEFA Europa League. Former Chelsea and AC Milan legend Ruud Gullit recently weighed in on the incident, claiming that Garnacho didn’t want to listen to Ten Hag when the coach tried to talk to him before a substitution.
Speaking to Ziggo Sport, Gullit explained that Garnacho’s body language suggested frustration or unwillingness to take instruction from the Dutch tactician. “He didn’t feel like it at all,” Gullit said, observing the interaction from the sidelines. This moment has since added to the growing concerns around Ten Hag’s ability to manage his squad effectively, particularly with high-profile players like Garnacho and Jadon Sancho already making headlines for similar reasons.
Garnacho’s Attitude: A Sign of Frustration?
Ruud Gullit’s comments have reignited a debate about discipline and player management at Manchester United. Garnacho, one of the brightest young talents at Old Trafford, has emerged as a key player in United’s attacking setup. However, Gullit’s claims point to a possible lack of respect or a deeper frustration between the young player and his manager.
“You can just see it when a player thinks: ‘Leave me alone, man,’” Gullit remarked, reflecting on the moment Ten Hag tried to communicate with Garnacho as he prepared to come on as a substitute. If true, this situation echoes similar player-manager tensions that have arisen at Manchester United in recent months.
The 19-year-old winger has already been involved in minor controversies, including liking social media posts that were critical of Erik ten Hag earlier in the season. Such behavior, if left unchecked, could indicate broader issues with team dynamics and player discipline within the club, problems that Manchester United fans are all too familiar with.
Manchester United’s Struggles Under Erik ten Hag
Beyond Garnacho, Gullit’s remarks also touch on a larger problem at Manchester United — the team’s continued struggles under Erik ten Hag’s leadership. After a relatively successful first season where Ten Hag led United to a third-place Premier League finish and lifted the Carabao Cup, the Dutch manager has faced mounting pressure following a string of poor results.
During the 1-1 draw against Twente, Ten Hag made multiple substitutions in an attempt to “wake up” his team, introducing players like Garnacho, Rasmus Højlund, Mason Mount, and Kobbie Mainoo. However, according to Gullit, these changes failed to have the desired impact, and the game continued to unravel for United. “As a coach, you see things happening that just don’t go well,” Gullit said, expressing empathy for Ten Hag’s difficult situation.
In particular, Gullit criticized United’s overall lack of identity on the pitch, a concern that many pundits have raised in recent weeks. “That is also the criticism of Ten Hag, that there is nothing recognizable about United’s style of play,” he added. This comment underlines the larger issue of Manchester United’s inconsistent form, which has plagued them since the start of the season.
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The Mounting Pressure on Erik ten Hag
As the pressure continues to build on Erik ten Hag, his handling of players like Garnacho, Antony, and Sancho has come under intense scrutiny. The manager’s reported falling out with Sancho, who was dropped from the squad after publicly criticizing Ten Hag, and ongoing issues with Antony have only compounded his problems.
Ruud Gullit, while sympathetic to Ten Hag’s struggles, also emphasized that some of these issues are of the manager’s own making. “I feel bad for him, because I also want him to succeed. But he brings it on himself,” said Gullit. The former AC Milan coach pointed to the fact that United’s performances have been underwhelming, with little sign of improvement, despite Ten Hag’s efforts to shake things up.
The disappointing draw against Twente is just one of several poor results that have highlighted the ongoing challenges at Old Trafford. Manchester United’s inability to dominate games, especially against lesser-known European opponents, has raised questions about Ten Hag’s tactical approach and his ability to inspire his squad.
The Role of Leadership and Tactics in United’s Woes
A crucial part of United’s current crisis lies in the lack of a coherent tactical identity. While Ten Hag was brought in to instill a high-pressing, possession-based style, Manchester United’s performances have often been disjointed. Gullit’s assessment that “there is nothing recognizable about United’s style of play” speaks to a broader tactical problem.
United’s inconsistent results suggest that the team has yet to fully buy into Ten Hag’s philosophy. Even with a squad brimming with talent, the lack of cohesion and leadership on the pitch has been evident. Gullit noted that even experienced players like Casemiro seemed to show frustration during the game against Twente, highlighting the widespread discontent within the team.
Additionally, Gullit mentioned seeing former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was also in attendance at the game, looking unhappy with the team’s performance. “Even Casemiro got involved,” Gullit said, pointing out that Manchester United’s problems go beyond just the younger players like Garnacho — it’s an issue that permeates the entire squad.
What’s Next for Manchester United and Ten Hag?
As Manchester United moves forward, Erik ten Hag faces an uphill battle to regain control of his squad and reinstate the disciplined, tactical approach he is known for. The manager will need to address the growing player unrest, particularly with younger talents like Garnacho, while finding ways to improve the team’s overall performance on the pitch.
Ten Hag’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in determining whether he can remain at the helm of Manchester United or if the club will look for new leadership amid the ongoing turmoil. Ruud Gullit’s criticism may serve as a warning, highlighting the importance of better communication and cohesion between the manager and his players.
While Garnacho’s attitude toward Ten Hag may seem like a minor incident, it is emblematic of the larger issues at Manchester United — issues that must be addressed if the club is to turn its season around and return to its former glory.
