Three Top Stars Dropped in Chelsea Win..Erik ten Hag Winning Manchester United Dressing Room Duel?

  • Weekly Giveaway for our active users. N50,000 per Week. Do you want to contribute to this community? We are looking for contribution? What is hot right now? Sign up and get in on the ground floor of the newest, fastest growing Nigerian forum!
May 8, 2023
888
1
18
30
It has been a tale of contrasting fortunes since Erik ten Hag took over as Manchester United manager last season.

Known for his stern, rigid, and regimented man-management style, the former Ajax boss was definitely set for a collision with big egos in Man United dressing room.

1702118027544.png

Cristiano Ronaldo was the first casualty, and it wasn't a surprise the Portuguese football superstar exited the club unceremoniously.

After a pompous showing in Manchester United 2-0 win over Tottenham in the Premier League, Erik ten Hag clamped down on Ronaldo, axed him from Man United first team.

At the height of the chasm between the two parties, the Dutch pulled the wheels that led to the termination of Cristiano Ronaldo's contract after the latter granted a controversial and bombshell interview undermining the club and the Dutch.

How Erik ten Hag handled the fallout with was a clear message the Dutch is not ready to budge on his style and hardline approach to dressing room management no matter whose ox is gored.

Since Ronaldo's saga, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Alejandro Garnacho, Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho, and Raphael Varane have all felt the sledgehammer of the ten Hag's unwavering stand on dressing room order and discipline.

In the game against Chelsea, three key players were left out. Anthony Martial who started the game again Newcastle United was axed off the squad.

Marcus Rashford also suffered similar fate. Raphael Varane missed the game due to a back injury but feelers from United dressing room have shown ten Hag wouldn't have played the French footballer even if he was available for the clash.

Anthony Martial's omission from Erik ten Hag's starting lineup against Chelsea has been linked to Erik ten Hag's fallout with the French striker during Newcastle United match.

ten Hag scolded Martial in Newcastle United match for failing to track back and cover spaces during a Newcastle United offensive that nearly resulted in a goal.

Marcus Rashford underperformed against Newcastle United and was benched against the Blues. Varane, who is currently struggling to regain his starting berth, was out injured but he would not have made ten Hag's lineup against Chelsea even if he was available.

With the three players axed off the lineup against Chelsea, the Dutch still eke out a win over the Blues thanks to Scott McTominay's brace.

It was a statement win for Erik ten Hag and a morale booster for the Dutch amidst reports he had lost control of the club's dressing room.

Speaking after the game, Erik ten Hag said he is still in control of Man United dressing room, and the win against Chelsea is an affirmation.

From our standpoint, Erik ten Hag may have a set of disgruntled players due to competition for places in the squad. Fissures in dressing room due to competition is a normal club dynamics. While English media painted it grim for Erik ten Hag, it appears the Dutch is fully incharge of proceedings at the club.

Dispatching Chelsea without starting regular big names in the squad has given Erik ten Hag more control of the club's dressing room.