“Sometimes it’s arm around the shoulder, sometimes a kick in the a**.” Ten Hag on player development

Under Erik ten Hag's guidance, Manchester United is going through challenging times. Over the past few weeks, the team has slipped to seventh place in the Premier League table and exited the Champions League after the group stage. Currently, the club has suffered two consecutive defeats and has won only one match in their last five across all competitions. This has led the Dutchman to suggest that some of his players might require a more assertive management style.

Speaking to The Independent, Ten Hag mentioned that at times, different methods of handling players are necessary.

"I think any player almost, sometimes it’s arm around the shoulder, sometimes a kick in the a**.

And then I think that makes a difference in the management, so when are you taking which approach? The kick in the a** or arm around the shoulder? "

Today, Manchester United faces Liverpool, and the "Red Devils" will aim not to repeat the bitter experience of the previous season when they were defeated 7-0 by the Merseyside team. Liverpool is currently in excellent form and has suffered only one defeat in sixteen Premier League matches. If Manchester United manages to halt the momentum that Jurgen Klopp has initiated and secure a victory, they could move up a spot and surpass Newcastle. However, should ten Hag's team face defeat and their closest pursuers win, the "Red Devils" could drop to ninth place in the Premier League.