Erik Ten Hag doesn’t have what it takes to coach this big club but INEOS will not see it Now to sack Him early until He spoils everything”, Rio Ferdinand blast Ten Hag for benching £60m Man united player last night despite their big win – Not Garnacho and Not Maguire

**Rio Ferdinand Questions Erik ten Hag’s Decision-Making: Is He the Right Man for Manchester United?**

Rio Ferdinand has openly criticized Erik ten Hag’s recent decisions, raising doubts about whether the Dutch manager is truly suited to lead a prestigious club like Manchester United. Ferdinand’s discontent became apparent after Ten Hag opted to bench a £60 million player during United’s convincing 3-0 win over Southampton, despite the dominant performance. The critique wasn’t directed at regular subjects such as Alejandro Garnacho or Harry Maguire, but rather at the unexpected exclusion of Manuel Ugarte, a high-profile acquisition anticipated to play a significant role.

Manchester United’s commanding performance featured goals from Matthijs de Ligt, Marcus Rashford, and Alejandro Garnacho, securing a comprehensive victory at Old Trafford. Goalkeeper Andre Onana also played a crucial role, saving a penalty from Cameron Archer just before De Ligt scored the opening goal. Despite the fans’ celebration of the match, questions remained about Ten Hag’s tactical decisions.

Prior to the match, confusion arose when Christian Eriksen was included in the starting lineup instead of Ugarte, particularly given Casemiro’s poor performance in the previous game against Liverpool. Many had expected Ugarte, recently acquired for £43 million from Paris Saint-Germain, to take a position in midfield. Ten Hag’s decision to bench Ugarte raised questions, especially as the international break had already disrupted the team’s preparation.

Ugarte eventually entered the match in the 73rd minute, replacing Eriksen. His presence added control to United’s midfield and was crucial in securing the third goal. After the game, Ten Hag explained that Ugarte’s absence from the starting lineup was due to his limited preparation time, having only participated in two training sessions with the squad, one shortly before the international break. Ten Hag stated: “He only trained for 20 minutes with the team yesterday. It was a short time, but we’re glad we could bring him on today to show what he can bring to the team.” Although Ten Hag’s reasoning seemed logical, Ferdinand remained unconvinced. The former United defender questioned whether Ten Hag’s decisions were truly benefiting the team long-term, expressing concerns that such decisions could hinder the club’s progress as the season advances.

In addition to addressing Ugarte’s situation, Ten Hag also responded to ongoing criticism of Marcus Rashford, who had been scrutinized for his recent lack of goals. Rashford silenced his critics with a goal against Southampton, marking his 132nd goal for Manchester United. Ten Hag dismissed the negative remarks, emphasizing Rashford’s ongoing contributions despite his goal drought. “There was too much negativity towards him,” Ten Hag commented. “But we don’t pay attention to that. Rashford has been creating chances, even in games like the one against Liverpool. He deserved his goal, but it takes hard work to get there, and he’s been putting in that effort.”

Rashford’s goal was a significant achievement, and Ten Hag praised the striker’s efforts, noting the importance of early-season goals for building confidence. “Scoring goals early in the season is vital for any striker,” Ten Hag noted. “It builds confidence, and that belief will lead to even more goals.” Rashford’s return to form is likely to alleviate some pressure on the team, but Ferdinand’s concerns about Ten Hag’s leadership persist.

While Manchester United’s win over Southampton provided a respite, Ferdinand remains doubtful about Ten Hag’s ability to guide the club effectively. His primary concern is that new ownership under INEOS might not address the underlying issues with Ten Hag’s management in time. Ferdinand worries that keeping Ten Hag in charge for too long could result in further complications and setbacks.

As Manchester United navigates a challenging season, Ten Hag’s decisions will continue to be closely scrutinized. Despite delivering results on the pitch, questions about his long-term suitability persist. Ferdinand’s critique underscores a growing debate among fans and pundits: is Erik ten Hag genuinely the right leader to restore Manchester United to its former glory, or are his decisions jeopardizing the club’s future?