Erik ten Hag has often been accussed of favouring players with experience in the Netherlands, and he has now responded to the claims.
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Ten Hag accused of favouritismOpens up on the recruitment processSigned 11 players with Dutch experienceGettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Ten Hag was officially announced as the head coach of Manchester United in the summer of 2022 and he immediately requested the signings of a few players that he knew personally from his time in the Eredivisie with Ajax. While that is nothing out of the ordinary for a coach in new surroundings, the possible bias towards signing Dutch players or players with experience in the Eredivisie has not seized despite the 54-year-old being in his third year with the Red Devils.
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
So far this summer, Manchester United have completed four signings, of which three players are either Dutch or have had experience in the Dutch first tier. Since Ten Hag's arrival at Old Trafford, United have made a total of 20 signings, of which 11 have had the aforementioned career links. As such, the criticism surrounding Ten Hag and United's recruitment process has increased and the Dutch coach has now responded, giving an insight into the Red Devils' new recruitment process under INEOS.
GettyWHAT TEN HAG SAID
When asked by the media about signing 'favourites' with the Red Devils, Ten Hag responded: "Not favourite.
"First of all, it is a club decision, none of them is only my decision. It is always backed, or even brought, up through the scouting, recruitment, technical director, and sporting director.
"It is a decision made by more than only one."
WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?
Following a disappointing but positive loss to Manchester City in the Community Shield final, the Red Devils will begin their Premier League season with a clash against Fulham on Friday evening.