Richard Keys has branded under-fire Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag a ‘tin-pot tough guy’ who has lost control of the dressing room.
A miserable start to the new season was compounded by defeat to Galatasaray at Old Trafford last night which left the Red Devils bottom of Champions League Group A.
Despite considerable investment in new players over the summer, United have lost six of their opening 10 games in all competitions and appear to have gone backwards.
A number of off-field issues have proven to be a significant distraction but Keys is adamant that Ten Hag’s harsh treatment of his underperforming players has come back to haunt him.
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‘It’s clear ETH has lost his players with his tin-pot tough guy act anf by always blaming them,’ the beIN Sports presenter wrote on X.
‘That’s repairable. Casemiro Eriksen Varane and Amrabat not being able to run isn’t and the keeper is a liability.
‘Fernandes won’t run – that’s a big problem. He’s not a captain.’
While it appears too early to judge deadline day purchase Amrabat, especially given his early United appearances have been at left-back, Onana’s performances are becoming an increasing concern.
The decision to oust and replace David de Gea was always going to bring intense scrutiny, but the experienced Cameroon international has made a catalogue of errors already and has been anything but a steadying influence on those in front of him.
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Despite his early struggles, Ten Hag is standing by his £50million purchase and has little intention of dropping him ahead of this weekend’s game against Brentford.
He said: ‘We are happy with our goalkeeping group. Andre was in one semi-final, last season in a final of Champions League.
‘(He) Can be one of the best goalkeepers in the world. We have seen already his great capabilities + also his personality. He will bounce back.’
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