Marco van Basten hits out at 'idiotic' Man United decision that has killed Erik ten Hag's preparation

Marco van Basten has slammed Manchester United's board for scheduling such a vigorous pre-season tour, branding the decision as 'idiotic'.

The Red Devils travelled to Thailand then Australia to play the likes of Liverpool and Crystal Palace ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Erik ten Hag's team looked promising in big wins over Liverpool and Palace as they played football to his style.

Image: Alamy

But their campaign has got off to a terrible start, with Ten Hag's side losing their opening two Premier League matches to Brighton and Brentford.

And Dutch legend Van Basten has taken aim at the club's decision to send the team to the other side of the world for pre-season.

"What I find strange is that every year in preparation they make a kind of world tour," the 57-year-old told Ziggo Sport.

"That kills the group. It’s ridiculous, idiotic. They have to stop doing that. Physically, it’s just heartbreakingly bad.

"They do everything they can to make more money, but it’s nonsense."

Image: Alamy

Man United spent two-and-a-half-weeks travelling around Thailand and Australia before heading to Norway to face Atletico Madrid.

They then hosted Rayo Vallecano in their final pre-season game before the new season.

Image: Alamy

Man United remain in the market for new talent, with Cristiano Ronaldo's future still dominating the transfer rumour mill.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville believes Man United will finish in the bottom half if they sell the 37-year-old superstar this summer.

"As I sit here today, I think there’s a massive decision they have to make on Cristiano Ronaldo and they’re damned if they do, damned if they don’t," he said.

"A few weeks ago, before the season started, the best thing to do was facilitate a move out of the club for Cristiano because he’s obviously not happy and the club aren’t happy with him. The problem they have now is if they lose him, there’s nothing left in terms of the goalscoring part of the pitch.

"I genuinely think if they don’t bring players in or if they bring in poor players and he leaves, I genuinely think they can finish in the bottom half of the table. That’s a bottom half of the table team.

"That’s a massive statement. Ten Hag is getting to know the level, but when I saw that team on Saturday, I’m not sure and I said set-pieces, physicality will cause a problem."