Erik ten Hag has admitted former Man United boss Ralf Rangnick was right in saying the club needed 'open heart surgery' and claims they are still 'really far from winning titles'.
Rangnick took over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on an interim basis and led United to a sixth-place finish and 58 points back in the 2021-22 season, often outlining the club's shortcomings in a brutal fashion, even claiming they were six years behind Liverpool.
He said the issues ran so deep at Old Trafford that major structural changes were needed from top to bottom: 'You don’t even need glasses to see and analyse where the problems are.
'Now it’s about how do we solve them? It’s not enough to do some minor amendments – cosmetic things. In medicine you would say that this is an operation of the open heart.'
And in an interview with AS in the Netherlands, Ten Hag confessed that Rangnick, who led Austria at Euro 2024, was right, and that United's standards are still not high enough.'
Ten Hag said: 'Rangnick was absolutely right. We've been working very hard on that for two years, but he said it just right: it's a thorough, very complex operation.
''And I knew when I started that it was going to be a tough job. There are a lot of people who have advised me. Yes, Louis van Gaal too.
'We want this club back to where it was more than a decade ago, to a club that wins the Premier League, which can win Champions Leagues. We are really a long way away from that, I think.
'I think we've taken steps since then, otherwise we wouldn't have won two prizes either. But we are not yet so far that a 'winning culture' already prevails here in all respects. Our standards, our norms and values, still need to go up.'
He also hit out at the mentality of the group he inherited, adding: 'I was not shocked. But the culture, the mentality was really not good. To win, to really achieve top performance every week, we had to change a lot.'
dawbklmnot
0
Martin Zubimendi of Spain is far better for the Job due to his total ball control, creativity, release clause, composure, defending tactics, age advantage, style of playing, pressure absorptivity etc than all the Man United existing defensive midfielders and even those indicated interest by the team ❤💖💓
which position was his club
Alopenu
0
Not everyone with a fair observation is hating. Point is, in my opinion he should have gotten them closer to competing for the league. They should not still be so far away
You shouldn't also forget the injury hit last season
RJ-25
0
stop hating man...he didn't receive every players he needed. De jong didn't come, instead he was given Casemiro, no better striker in his first season, managed Weghorst on loan because there was no money to sign a new striker. These are the players Ten Hag has signed, Anthony, Martinez, Casemiro, Malacia, Hojlund, Erickson, Weghorst on loan, Onana, Amrabat on loan,
Not everyone with a fair observation is hating. Point is, in my opinion he should have gotten them closer to competing for the league. They should not still be so far away
Alopenu
1
Those weren’t Pochettino signings Ten Hag received players he wanted
stop hating man...he didn't receive every players he needed. De jong didn't come, instead he was given Casemiro, no better striker in his first season, managed Weghorst on loan because there was no money to sign a new striker. These are the players Ten Hag has signed, Anthony, Martinez, Casemiro, Malacia, Hojlund, Erickson, Weghorst on loan, Onana, Amrabat on loan,
Alopenu
0
ole was number two but was given less money to buy players but he is talking rubbish when he buying players like antony with 100m
Haters what make Ole number two....what are the criteria you used to judged them, because according to stat Erik Ten Hag is better than after Mourinho. Who told you Ole didn't spend. Who signed Maguire, wanbissaka, Daniel James, Varane, Sancho, Amad Diallo, Van De Beak. After all these signing did we win.. Am not hating on Ole buh you shouldn't compare them, Erik Ten Hag is better.
yobosney
0
respect the master
garnacho
0
ole was number two but was given less money to buy players but he is talking rubbish when he buying players like antony with 100m
garnacho
0
Imagine spending hundreds of millions under Ten Hag for him to say they are still very far from winning. A similar thing got Xavi sacked
like your comment bro
Sherap3275
0
Imagine spending hundreds of millions under Ten Hag for him to say they are still very far from winning. A similar thing got Xavi sacked
That’s because you only have to beat Real Madrid in that league Ave he still admitting he can’t beat their one rival publicly.Ofcourse
RJ-25
0
Is it the money that wins you trophy? then Chelsea FC could have won treble last season
Those weren’t Pochettino signings Ten Hag received players he wanted
Colito
0
Imagine spending hundreds of millions under Ten Hag for him to say they are still very far from winning. A similar thing got Xavi sacked
Is it the money that wins you trophy? then Chelsea FC could have won treble last season
Feobcnory
1
stop those jokes sir. from kenya we have already started preparing for end of season celebration. tutapiga sherehe next season.
Hasdeltyz
0
after reading countless comments I think this app is loading with kids and guys that refuse to understand anything by the mention of the name Erick ten hag how can you not understand the mind game he said United cant win any trophy after winning 2 cups I think he is only trying to say don't pressure me but be realistic we have well established clubs like Manchester City Arsenal and Liverpool that are years ahead of us you think you can go pass those clubs after 2 or 3 markets an win the league this season maybe you think only Manchester United is buying or other clubs are signing rubbish players like you don't know very good player will always prefer Manchester City to other clubs in England even for less pay City is only second to Real Madrid in the world you guys should stop playing here pls
true talk
RJ-25
2
Imagine spending hundreds of millions under Ten Hag for him to say they are still very far from winning. A similar thing got Xavi sacked
kadikmrsuz
0
when CR7 said it in his infamous (or rather FAMOUS) interview, those self-righteous journalists and pundits were so quick to label him too arrogant and disrespectful. I wonder how the TRUTH ever made the speaker a devil. Of course CR is a true DEVIL (Red Devil) indeed. Now ETH too has said it. Is he also disrespectful or what? Man Utd deserves the bitter Truth. PS: Now that Southampton is back, we can have a match of spirits (Saints v Devils)
Yeah , Man U can now enjoy their usual 8:0 bonanza that Southampton are back.
Dejay-Dodzie
1
when CR7 said it in his infamous (or rather FAMOUS) interview, those self-righteous journalists and pundits were so quick to label him too arrogant and disrespectful. I wonder how the TRUTH ever made the speaker a devil. Of course CR is a true DEVIL (Red Devil) indeed. Now ETH too has said it. Is he also disrespectful or what? Man Utd deserves the bitter Truth. PS: Now that Southampton is back, we can have a match of spirits (Saints v Devils)
Memacilnpu
0
Man U need a better manager to have any hope of winning EPL Title., definitely not with Ten hag.
You can volunteer and become one or employee one if can't be
Hizblnprsz
0
If the the club failed, don't u know U failed too? Find the solution as a coach instead of always stating the problem 🤔👍
He don’t have the balls to own up and ed to admit that it’s his incompetence for the worst results in Man U’s history.
joubceklz
0
Martin Zubimendi of Spain is far better for the Job due to his total ball control, creativity, release clause, composure, defending tactics, age advantage, style of playing, pressure absorptivity etc than all the Man United existing defensive midfielders and even those indicated interest by the team ❤💖💓
Hizblnprsz
0
I just don’t know how man united gave this man an opportunity to stay, he must leave
Fully agree.
Hizblnprsz
0
Ten Hag Is really playing mind games with other coaches
No club will take this clown’s words seriously.
vuaabdipu
0
I think they close like never before tbh
Hizblnprsz
1
Man U need a better manager to have any hope of winning EPL Title., definitely not with Ten hag.
Barcelona0408
0
Ten Hag Is really playing mind games with other coaches
Nothing like mind games. Man U can’t smell 2nd😂
saedlprsty
4
Ten Hag Is really playing mind games with other coaches
fidcelntz
0
but Eric if they're asking you guys what kind of future have you got what the Man United score do you reckon it is okay for now to talk about
Hudbmnsz
0
may be he should relegate then what kind of nonsense talk is this
Orisky
2
after reading countless comments I think this app is loading with kids and guys that refuse to understand anything by the mention of the name Erick ten hag how can you not understand the mind game he said United cant win any trophy after winning 2 cups I think he is only trying to say don't pressure me but be realistic we have well established clubs like Manchester City Arsenal and Liverpool that are years ahead of us you think you can go pass those clubs after 2 or 3 markets an win the league this season maybe you think only Manchester United is buying or other clubs are signing rubbish players like you don't know very good player will always prefer Manchester City to other clubs in England even for less pay City is only second to Real Madrid in the world you guys should stop playing here pls
piueioruy
0
why did you say that
lipbcdnrt
1
I don't know y this coach was retained by Man U
King185
0
This is actually quite brilliant from ETH. While this statement might upset some fans it also lowers expectations for the next season and takes pressure off himself and his players.
Jitbklntu
3
shaw( finalist ) martinez ( finalist ) yoro ( semi finalist ) dalot ( semi finalist ) mainoo ( finalist ) bruno ( semi finalist ) ugarte ( semi finalist ) garnacho ( finalist ) zirkzee ( semi finalist ).....why cant we win or be 2nd with this qualities?
wuyclmnpz
0
Ha...ha....after buy more players and you say far from titles...nonsense... so, you want use big money without win anythings and fight for number 8 like last seasson?
Wasciktz
0
You are pay to get the job done , what warning ⚠️? You already purchase a brand new team since you arrive , but still in vain .
Give him Holland national team
Wasciktz
0
You are pay to get the job done , what warning ⚠️? You already purchase a brand new team since you arrive , but still in vain .
tokbeilnz
3
I just don’t know how man united gave this man an opportunity to stay, he must leave
Buwbemopyz
0
rangnick could not register a win and still have audacity to talk. and Eric ten hug is repeating the same useless sentence because he doesn't have tactics on attacking abilities. useless coach.
Hapacenyz
1
If the the club failed, don't u know U failed too? Find the solution as a coach instead of always stating the problem 🤔👍
vapablnrsu
2
Eric is rebuilding the team you can not say that you have a flat wen you are still building semi permanent so he is right he will talk by doing or actions.
gm11
0
community sheild: city 6 united 1
Failed to beat us last time slapped them in the FA, imagine having the best squad in England and losing to a week united team embarrassing 😂 bottled the fa wouldn't be surprised if you bottle the community shield
ShaneDoe
3
Ten Hag is more realistic than most United fans on this app
Bikbeklor
0
Rangnick wanted to work with him but he refused and now he's coming publicly to admit Rangnick's observations. I doubt if this man can take us forward
Fobbklnprt
0
dis coach is a useless man a coach with no style of play keeps buying players but can't do d wrk I don't even know why the still put him in charge
Useless coach but United can't get better coach all not available, this useless bald head have some luck
Fobbklnprt
0
dis coach is a useless man a coach with no style of play keeps buying players but can't do d wrk I don't even know why the still put him in charge
Agreed, buy players he managed before and obey his words only, really amateur coach
ricadelstz
0
Won 2 cups already have a community shield to play for this season so could possibly be 3 cups. Good job to me
community sheild: city 6 united 1
ricadelstz
0
united will never win league title under ten hag
jukacikuy
0
negative words from the coach
gm11
0
then you're not doing a good job. how many players have you brought to United and you are still bringing
Won 2 cups already have a community shield to play for this season so could possibly be 3 cups. Good job to me
dacblnorsu
1
Truth is bitter
gm11
2
dis coach is a useless man a coach with no style of play keeps buying players but can't do d wrk I don't even know why the still put him in charge
So a manager winning cups is useless 🤔😂, what a bad bad fan you are. Wake up mate you actually think are current squad is good enough to challenge for the prem, literally pep would fail at United with are current squad 😂😂 especially with 64 injuries it's actually impossible for manager to win a title.