Gary Neville has pointed to Manchester United’s lack of a defined playing style as the primary factor behind Erik ten Hag’s sack. The former player and current pundit expressed his concerns regarding the team's identity and performance, suggesting that the absence of a clear tactical approach has been detrimental to their success this season.
Currently, United find themselves sitting in 14th place in the Premier League standings, struggling not only domestically but also facing a winless campaign in the Europa League. Ten Hag’s tenure came to an end following a disappointing 2-1 loss to West Ham, which ultimately sealed his fate as manager.
According to Neville, the struggles experienced by the team are a direct result of “a lack of identity and style” that has persisted since Ten Hag's arrival at the club. He indicated that this issue has been a recurring theme, affecting the players' ability to execute their roles effectively on the pitch.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Neville elaborated on the factors contributing to the team's current situation, highlighting poor recruitment decisions and inconsistency in performances as ongoing issues that the club has faced. However, he emphasized that “lack of style has been the biggest problem,” indicating that the players were unable to align with a cohesive strategy under Ten Hag’s management.
Neville noted that the 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham in September, which was compounded by a similar loss to Liverpool, likely marked the turning point in Ten Hag's tenure. “I suspect the Tottenham game was a catalyst,” he stated, reflecting on how these heavy defeats seemed to impact team morale and confidence moving forward.
As Manchester United looks to move forward, Ruud van Nistelrooy has been appointed as the interim manager. However, Neville cautions that significant changes are unlikely during his temporary tenure. “He can set up the team differently,” Neville remarked, acknowledging that while a fresh approach may be attempted, the existing squad has the potential to perform better without needing immediate reinforcements in the January transfer window.
Neville firmly believes that the current squad possesses the ability to achieve much more than what has been displayed thus far, concluding that “the new manager should work with these players.” His comments suggest a belief in the talent available at the club, urging for a clearer vision and strategy moving forward under new management.