No playing style, no philosophy, no culture – ex-Man Utd coach criticizes Erik ten Hag

Former Manchester United manager Rene Meulensteen has harshly criticized Erik ten Hag for failing to develop a clear playing style or philosophy during his two years as manager at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag is under intense pressure after Manchester United suffered their 13th league defeat of the season at Crystal Palace on Monday evening.

There are calls for Manchester United to sack the Dutchman immediately, but the club insist they will not make a decision on his future until after the FA Cup final.

Meulensteen, who was part of Sir Alex Ferguson's coaching staff at Manchester United, admitted it was difficult to explain what was currently going on at the club.

He believes that every manager needs time to implement their style, but stated that Ten Hag has failed to develop a coherent style, philosophy or culture at Manchester United in almost two years.

“It is really incomprehensible what is happening now. There is simply no more progress.”he told the Dutch broadcaster NOS.

“You know, as a new manager you're always dealing with a squad that you didn't put together yourself.

“So it takes a few transfer periods to get the players you want.

“I always say it takes a manager eighteen months to get it right and get on the right track.

“But now there is none of that [last season when they won the EFL Cup and finished third in the Premier League] The optimism remains.

“There is no playing style, club culture or philosophy.”