**Rio Ferdinand Questions Erik ten Hag’s Decision-Making: Is He the Right Fit for Manchester United?**
Rio Ferdinand has openly challenged Erik ten Hag’s recent choices, questioning if the Dutch manager is suitable to lead a prestigious club like Manchester United. Ferdinand’s discontent emerged after Ten Hag opted to bench a £60 million player during United’s solid 3-0 win against Southampton, despite the clear-cut result. This criticism wasn’t aimed at players like Alejandro Garnacho or Harry Maguire but at the unexpected exclusion of Manuel Ugarte, a high-profile addition anticipated to play a significant role.
Manchester United’s strong performance included goals from Matthijs de Ligt, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho, securing a decisive win at Old Trafford. Additionally, goalkeeper Andre Onana played a crucial role by saving a penalty from Cameron Archer before De Ligt’s opening goal. Although United supporters were pleased with the result, doubts about Ten Hag’s tactical decisions persisted.
Before the match, there was notable confusion when Christian Eriksen was included in the starting lineup over Ugarte, especially after Casemiro’s poor performance in the previous game against Liverpool. Many expected Ugarte, recently signed for £43 million from Paris Saint-Germain, to join the midfield. However, Ten Hag’s decision to leave Ugarte on the bench raised questions, particularly since the international break had disrupted the team’s preparation.
Ugarte eventually entered the game in the 73rd minute, replacing Eriksen, and his presence added stability to United’s midfield, contributing to the team’s third goal. After the game, Ten Hag explained that Ugarte’s absence from the starting lineup was due to his limited training time with the team, having only participated in two sessions, one of which was right before the international break. Ten Hag noted, “He only trained for 20 minutes with the team yesterday. It was a short period, but we’re pleased we could bring him on today to demonstrate his capabilities.” While Ten Hag’s reasoning seemed reasonable, Ferdinand remained unconvinced. The former United defender questioned whether Ten Hag’s decisions were ultimately in the team’s best interests. Ferdinand’s concern extended beyond Ugarte’s exclusion to whether Ten Hag’s overall decision-making might hinder the club’s progress, fearing that such errors, particularly with key players, could be detrimental as the season advances.
Alongside addressing Ugarte, Ten Hag also responded to ongoing criticism of Marcus Rashford, who had been scrutinized for a recent goal drought. Rashford quieted his critics with a well-executed goal against Southampton, marking his 132nd goal for Manchester United. Ten Hag dismissed the negative commentary, highlighting Rashford’s continued contributions despite his recent lack of goals. “There was too much negativity towards him,” Ten Hag commented. “But we ignore that. Rashford has been creating opportunities, even in games like the one against Liverpool. He earned his goal, but it requires hard work, and he’s been putting in that effort.”
Rashford’s goal was a notable achievement, and Ten Hag was keen to acknowledge the striker’s efforts, stressing the importance of early-season goals for building momentum. “Scoring early in the season is crucial for any forward,” Ten Hag remarked. “It boosts confidence, which can lead to more goals.” Rashford’s resurgence may alleviate some of the pressure on the team, but Ferdinand’s concerns about Ten Hag’s leadership persist.
While Manchester United’s win over Southampton offered some relief, Ferdinand remains doubtful about Ten Hag’s ability to guide the club forward. His primary concern is whether the potential new ownership under INEOS will recognize Ten Hag’s management issues in time. Ferdinand fears that prolonging Ten Hag’s tenure could lead to further difficulties and setbacks for the team.
As Manchester United faces a challenging season, Ten Hag’s every decision will be under scrutiny. Although the Dutchman has produced results on the field, doubts about his long-term suitability remain. Ferdinand’s criticism underscores a growing divide in opinions among fans and pundits: is Erik ten Hag truly the right person to lead Manchester United back to success, or are his decisions jeopardizing the club’s future?
