Rio Ferdinand Compares Erik Ten Hag’s Tenure at Manchester United to a “Boxer Knocked Down”
Rio Ferdinand has likened Erik ten Hag’s tenure as Manchester United manager to a boxer who’s been knocked down and unable to recover. Ten Hag’s time at Old Trafford came to an abrupt end on Monday, following a 2-1 loss to West Ham — United’s fourth league defeat this season. This latest setback left the club in 14th place in the Premier League, prompting the United hierarchy to relieve Ten Hag of his duties after nearly two years at the helm. For Ferdinand, the dismissal felt inevitable after a series of poor results that chipped away at any initial optimism about Ten Hag’s impact.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand explained, “It was like a boxer getting hit and knocked down in the third round and never recovering.” He likened Ten Hag’s managerial journey to a prolonged struggle, with each game dealing another blow to his chances of regaining stability. Ferdinand added that this final “round” of the fight had effectively led United to “call it off,” bringing Ten Hag’s reign to a close.
Ferdinand speculated that the sacking may align with co-owner Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to transition former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy into a long-term managerial role. Currently appointed as interim manager, Van Nistelrooy arrived at United in pre-season alongside his assistant, Rene Hake, after both coaches left roles in the Eredivisie. Ferdinand suggested that their presence might have been a sign of United’s broader strategy: “I think we’ll see the method behind the madness in the coming weeks.”
Gary Neville, another former United defender, shared his disappointment with United’s position, emphasizing that the club’s current standing in the league was “unacceptable.” After United’s significant spending of over £600 million under Ten Hag, Neville anticipated a higher level of performance and consistency. Half of this spending was on players from Ten Hag’s former club Ajax, raising expectations that the manager’s familiarity with these players would lead to smoother integration and better results.
For Neville, the new signings’ underwhelming performances compounded the sense of urgency surrounding Ten Hag’s situation. “The fact that they are 14th is unacceptable,” Neville stated, pointing to the substantial investment in the squad as a source of pressure. He admitted to being shocked at how poorly the team had performed, particularly given Ten Hag’s experience and resources. “You can’t be in 14th...with the level of spend that’s occurred without being under significant pressure,” he added.
Ferdinand also mentioned United’s potential regret at missing out on elite managerial options, such as Thomas Tuchel, who is now managing England. In his view, the extended period of uncertainty around Ten Hag’s future might have limited the club’s choices. Reflecting on the situation, Ferdinand and Neville both underscored how Ten Hag’s exit has placed United at a crossroads, as the club now faces rebuilding once again while addressing a season of dashed expectations.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0