Senior Manchester United players were unhappy with Erik ten Hag’s rotation policy

The 1-2 defeat to West Ham United on Sunday seemed to be the final straw as INEOS finally pulled the plug on the Erik ten Hag era on Monday.

It was clear for all to see that Manchester United were struggling under the Dutchman and the new co-owners were only delaying the inevitable by keeping him onboard.

Compensation was cited as a reason while the lack of replacements was another concern of the management but with the team lying 14th in the Premier League, Ten Hag was finally shown the door.

After a promising debut campaign, fans were bullish about the team’s prospects under the former Ajax coach but everything collapsed from the second season onwards as he pushed forward his chaotic style of play.

EtH sacked

Things have reached such a nadir that the club have not won in Europe in over a year and seem to be miles of the pace of the big sides.

The former manager had cited injuries and poor officiating as reasons for the team’s slump but from the outside, it seemed like he was playing a huge part in the team’s decline.

And it seems senior players also agreed as revealed by Talksport. Ten Hag’s ridiculous rotation policy has been questioned in the dressing room with Ten Hag often dropping a player after a decent display.

That must have also played a part in INEOS’ thinking behind sacking the manager midseason.

Multiple examples can be found this season — Marcus Rashford was dropped after he had scored three times in two games while Rasmus Hojlund’s best performance in a red shirt saw him rewarded with a place on the bench against Fenerbahce.

Manuel Ugarte, who impressed in midweek in the Europa League, also had to be satisfied with a place on the bench with Casemiro brought in for the game against the Hammers.

Even his treatment of Amad Diallo has not gone down well with the young Ivorian, who was tipped to enjoy a breakthrough campaign, dropped without a reason in recent games while Antony seems to have overtaken him in the pecking order.

“Senior United players are also understood to have questioned Ten Hag’s rotation policy with striker Marcus Rashford rested after scoring three times in two games earlier this season.

Rotation policy under the scanner

“£50m summer signing Manuel Ugarte has been used sparingly in the Premier League. Fans’ favourite Amad Diallo has also found his playing time limited in recent weeks at a time when he is in discussions over a new contract.”

Ruud van Nistelrooy, who will take over on an interim basis, needs to get the squad in his corner and fighting for the badge again.

While plenty of the players have let down previous managers, the team is certainly much better than their current position signifies.

If everyone comes together, there is no reason why European football will elude Old Trafford. The Red Devils are still only seven points off the Champions League places.

Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images