24 November 2023 , 09:02
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Erik ten Hag's coaching staff believe changing his ruthless approach could benefit the team in the coming weeks.
Manchester United have struggled so far this term with their problems on the pitch amplifying the issues they have off it. United have won four of their last five in the Premier League, but performances are still far from where they need to be and Ten Hag's methods and tactics have come under fire as a result.
The Dutchman's disciplinarian approach proved a hit in his debut year with the team in desperate need of a culture shift. Now though, with Ten Hag continuing to be ruthless, those alongside him privately believe that he should consider changing his style.
The major decision taken by the United boss this season has been to shun Jadon Sancho. Back in September the winger was left out of the defeat at Arsenal and called out his manager on social media after Ten Hag had claimed his training performances weren't up to standards.
Sancho has not been seen since that episode and isn't even allowed to train with the first-team. The situation appears beyond repair but the decision has divided the squad with some backing the manager and others feeling as though he was too tough on the former Borussia Dortmund man, reports the Daily Mail. The publication goes on to suggest that Ten Hag has been encouraged to adopt a 'softer approach' in a bid to get his squad back onside.
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The problems off the pitch has seemingly affected the unity within the squad as they prepare for a crucial run of games. Successive wins in the league could see them close on the top four after a slow start whilst they need to win at Galatasaray to have any hope of making the Champions League knockout stages.
Erik ten Hag's treatment of Jadon Sancho has divided opinion (Manchester United via Getty Images)Ten Hag has already defended his disciplinarian style this season, insisting the club appointed him to bring higher standards. He said: "It's about team construction, the group dynamic. But it's about the team, the team is above everything else. In that team, anyone plays their role and anyone is different.
"There are different characters and you have to manage those characters. But the team is always above everything else. The club asked me, because there was no good culture before I entered last season, to set some standards. So it's my job to control the standards."
Ten Hag's ongoing feud with Sancho could see the winger leave Old Trafford come January with many inside the club keen for the saga to find a conclusion. United spent £72million to land Sancho back in 2021 but he's failed to consistently deliver upon his return to English shores.