The current Manchester United boss took a leaf out of a former Red Devils’ manager’s book when it came to dealing with a wantaway mega-star upsetting team morale
Erik ten Hag is already a hugely popular figure among the Manchester United faithful for a number of reasons, but one is likely to be his similarity to club icon Sir Alex Ferguson.
Their shared style is not one that has manifested on the pitch or in any tactical sense, but instead how they deal with off-field matters. More specifically, want away players who could upset the apple cart as they angle for a move.
Both Ferguson and Ten Hag have faced this issue during their respective reigns in charge of England’s biggest club, with the former having to deal with David Beckham and his desire to join Real Madrid.
The latter endured a similar situation as recently as late last year when it became clear Cristiano Ronaldo wanted out of Old Trafford less than a year-and-a-half into his two-year deal. How the Dutchman responded has arguably been the most defining moment of his United tenure so far.
Considering this is Ten Hag’s first taste of Premier League football, his first experience as a first-team manager in one of the five major European leagues, it would have been easy for him to cower to Ronaldo’s demands when it came to things like game-time.
Instead, he stood firm and effectively told the five-time Ballon d’Or winner that if he doesn’t like it, he knows where the door is.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Erik ten Hag did not enjoy the best relationship at Man United ( Image: PA)
It was a move straight from Ferguson’s playbook, as he was a big believer in every playing keeping their attitude in line with what the club would expect.
“The minute a Manchester United player thought he was bigger than the manager, he had to go,” the United legend wrote in his 2013 book My Autobiography.
He was writing in reference to the circumstances that led to Beckham joining Real Madrid in 2003, but the same values and principles were applied by Ten Hag when Ronaldo made clear he felt his needs were not being met.
As a result, the Portugal skipper was eventually shown the exit door after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, during which he took aim at everyone from Ten Hag to the owners, was clearly a step too far in the eyes of the boss.
Sir Alex Ferguson ended up selling David Beckham to Real Madrid ( Image: Getty Images)
Less than 18 months after putting pen to paper and sealing his return to United, his contract was terminated by mutual agreement and Ronaldo was free to join Saudi Arabian outfit Al Nassr.
Meanwhile back at Old Trafford, Ten Hag’s decision has been vindicated by the fact that United have gone from strength to strength since Ronaldo’s controversial exit.
In the 10 league games United have played since Ronaldo’s last outing, seven of them have ended in victories, two draws and just one defeat away at Arsenal. Perhaps what is more striking is that since his exit, United have accumulated more Premier League points than any other team.
United now have a higher win percentage without Ronaldo, while in contrast Al Nassr’s has actually marginally dropped since his arrival.
For all of Ronaldo’s dazzling brilliance in a United shirt over the years, the fact that he was forced out the door after comments blasting the club’s facilities and staff marks a dismal end to an otherwise remarkable story.
On the other hand, Ten Hag is only just starting and by following in the footsteps of United’s ultimate leader by making a stand is a huge highlight of his debut campaign in the Old Trafford hot-seat.
Source: mirror.co.uk
