“Manchester United has changed Ten Hag” — De Ligt

The narratives still hang on Manchester United and their shaky start to the 2024/25 season with Erik ten Hag the fall guy for a disappointing start.

However, new signing Matthijs de Ligt who famously worked under Erik ten Hag during his Ajax days has offered an intriguing insight into what separates Ten Hag’s Ajax success from his current challenges in the Premier League.

It is of course no secret that De Ligt blossomed under the managerial guidance of Erik ten Hag at Ajax, with the Dutch international earning significant interests from top European sides after the 2018/19 season while captaining Ajax.

The former Bayern Munich defender has now opened up on seeing a different side to his former mentor in the cutthroat world of English football.

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While Ten Hag led De Ligt and his Ajax teammates to multiple Eredivisie titles, De Ligt acknowledges that the tactical complexity and resilience of Premier League teams present a different kind of challenge for the Dutch manager.

Speaking to Viaplay, De Ligt revealed that while Ten Hag’s core approach remains the same, the Premier League’s relentless tactical demands have proven to be a formidable hurdle.

Despite his mixed start at United, De Ligt credited Ten Hag’s influence as pivotal in his decision to join the club, highlighting the trust and confidence the manager instilled in him at Ajax.

But with Manchester United under pressure and rumors of Ten Hag’s possible exit circulating, De Ligt’s candid comments may raise eyebrows among supporters questioning if the Dutch tactician can replicate his Ajax magic at Old Trafford.