Erik ten Hag points to Man United’s ‘unimaginable’ number of ‘average purchases’ in recent years

Erik ten Hag has slammed Manchester United’s transfer policy ahead of his arrival, claiming the club have signed “average players” and that he needs to make big changes to turn the team’s fortunes around.

United finished sixth in the Premier League last season, 13 points adrift of the top four, leaving Ten Hag with a major makeover when he joined the club in the summer.

The Dutchman has shown he was quick to spot the problems he was facing when he criticized the atmosphere in the dressing room and the level of players at his disposal.

Erik ten Hag wasn’t impressed by either the mentality or the level of the players when he arrived at Man United

“Manchester United didn’t exactly have the fear factor last season,” Ten Hag said in an interview with Voetbal International in his home country.

“There was no ghost. I didn’t see any team dynamics in the squad. Mental resilience was very low. I saw that as an outsider – and noticed it in my first few weeks at the club.

“I looked at the club culture. I asked, “How did Manchester United become great?”

“The club has bought an unimaginable number of players who weren’t good enough in recent years.

“Most purchases have been average – and at United, average isn’t good enough. The United shirt weighs heavily.”

In his first transfer window at the club, Ten Hag set about making his mark on the squad by signing Casemiro from Real Madrid, while also adding Ajax duo Lisandro Martinez and Antony and Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia. Christian Eriksen also came on a free transfer.

Ten Hag believes bringing in a big personality like Casemiro (L) in the summer was crucial, while also wanting to add ‘fighters’ like centre-back Lisandro Martinez (R) to his squad.

Ten Hag has admitted that he deliberately targeted players with big personalities and sought individuals willing to fight for results on the pitch.

“Only real personalities who can appear under great pressure can play here,” stressed Ten Hag.

“We needed personalities. That’s why the acquisition of Casemiro was so important. In addition to Raphael Varane, we now have a second player with title-winning experience.

Ten Hag has begun to turn United’s fortunes and propel the team into the top four

“Malacia, Martinez, Casemiro, Antony are all fighters while Christian Eriksen is a technical winner and a great personality. We want the best of the best. All the players we bring to Manchester United have to be of the highest standard.”

Ten Hag’s approach is beginning to pay off, with United currently in the top four and progressing to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

The Red Devils have also entered the next phase of the Europa League, coming through their FA Cup opening game against Everton on Friday.

However, Ten Hag is still looking for more players to improve his squad and shows that he is still interested in signing another attacking player.

Ten Hag secured his first signing of the January window with reserve goalkeeper Jack Butland on Friday and insisted having three experienced shot-stoppers is crucial if United are to have a good season.