Football365 published an opinion column after Erik ten Hag's interview with The Athletic, setting his comments alongside figures from his time as Manchester United manager. The outlet said United were 14th in the Premier League after three wins in their opening nine matches when Ten Hag was sacked.
Transfer points from the interview
Football365 said some headlines from Ten Hag's interview with The Athletic would focus on transfers, or rather the players he wanted but did not get. Football365 said Ten Hag wanted Frenkie De Jong and, if not him, Declan Rice.
Football365 said Ten Hag insisted on Scott McTominay staying. The outlet also said Harry Kane was the striker Ten Hag pinpointed, with Danny Welbeck and Brian Brobbey also on his list.
Ten Hag's own words
Ten Hag said: "I think it was quite weird to separate ways in that moment. All the data was showing we are good. OK, two poor games to Liverpool and Spurs (both 3-0 home defeats). We were starting the process. Let it progress; the gameplay is getting better."
Spending and results under Ten Hag
Football365 said Manchester United spent £564million under Ten Hag. It added that only Chelsea had a larger net spend during Ten Hag's tenure among clubs in that time. Football365 also said Ten Hag wanted Antony, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund.
Football365 said Manchester United finished eighth in 2023/24 with a negative goal difference for the first time in the Premier League era. The outlet also said Michael Carrick's side need to win their next two just to equal the points tally United had when Ten Hag was sacked.
Defensive and loss figures
Football365 said that by the time Ten Hag was sacked, he had lost 31.8% of his games in charge in all competitions. It said only David Moyes, with 32.4%, had a worse record since Ferguson.
Football365 said United conceded 165 goals on Ten Hag's watch. It added that United conceded three or more goals in 24 different games under Ten Hag, and seven times his side conceded four or more goals in a match.