Erik ten Hag criticises Manchester United's 'average purchases' in recent years, insists the club need fighters

Erik ten Hag has bemoaned the 'unimaginable' number of 'average purchases' Manchester United have made in the years preceding his tenure as manager.

The Dutch coach explained that he vowed to turn the team's fortunes around by changing the transfer policy when he took charge.

Ten Hag explained that he identified the issues with personnel at the club's disposal, starting with the atmosphere in the dressing room as well as the overall lack of quality of players in his squad.

In an interview with Dutch football publication Voetbal International, ten Hag revealed what he noticed about the team:

"Manchester United didn't exactly have the fear factor last season.

"'There was no spirit. I saw no team dynamic in the squad. The mental resilience was very low. I saw that as an outsider - and also noticed it in my first weeks at the club.

"'I looked at the culture of the club. I asked 'how did Manchester United become great?

"The club has bought an unimaginable number of players in recent years who have not been good enough.

"Most purchases have been average - and at United average is not good enough. United's shirt weighs heavily."

In the summer of ten Hag's arrival, he signed Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord, Christian Eriksen on a free, Casemiro from Real Madrid, and finally Lisandro Martinez and Antony from his old club Ajax.

All of these signings have had positive impacts on Manchester United up to now, as ten Hag wanted to highlight that he targeted players with big personalities that would show fight and determination on the pitch.

Ten Hag has shown himself to be a tough boss so far at United. Image: Alamy

"Only real personalities, who can perform under great pressure, can play here,

"We needed personalities. That's why the acquisition of Casemiro was so important. Along with Raphael Varane, we now have a second player who has experience of winning titles."

Casemiro won 5 Champions League titles at Real Madrid, and Varane won 4 there before joining Manchester United in the summer of 2021.

"Malacia, Martinez, Casemiro, Antony are all fighters, while Christian Eriksen is a technical winner and a great personality. We want the best of the best. Any players we bring to Manchester United must meet the highest standard."

Casemiro has been far from an average signing. Image: Alamy

That winning mentality seems to have spread to the team as United have only lost one of their last 17 in all competitions, progressing to the next round of the FA Cup, Europa League and the quarter finals of the Carabao Cup, all while breaking into the Premier League top 4.

Manchester United face Manchester City and Arsenal in the next two weeks, and wins in both of those games could see Manchester United in a surprise title race. Regardless, United have made excellent progress under ten Hag so far and time will tell if this form can be sustained.