28 October 2023 , 17:28
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Tim Sherwood claims Erik ten Hag has taken Manchester United "backwards".
The Red Devils have failed to build on last season's optimism, losing four of their nine Premier League games so far as well as struggling in the Champions League. Ten Hag has copped the majority of the flack for their slow start with issues on and off the pitch.
Sherwood has questioned what the playing style is under the Dutchman, who has opted for several different strategies. He also believes their lack of identity prohibits their ability to get the right players in the transfer market with some of his acquisitions struggling to make an impact.
He said on Sky Sports: "There's no cohesion, there's no plan, there's no direction of how they want to play. They all play off the cuff, the manager is relying on moments from superstars to win games. They've been outplayed by the likes of Wolves. Sheffield United they got lucky, Brentford.
"There's game they've win which they shouldn't have won. They need a playing style. I could not scout for them, I couldn't find a player with the characteristics Ten Hag wants, I don't know what balance he wants in midfield. Does he want a No 9 to stick up front, I'm not sure what Hojlund is, I know it is early days.
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"I have no idea what they want - and that's wrong. We talk about (Unai) Emery, about (Ange) Postecoglou. They've been in their jobs less time and they have a playing identity. Every team has injuries, you need to do better. Ten Hag is not getting the best out of any individual at that club - they've gone backwards."
Erik ten Hag has struggled to find consistency this term (Getty Images)United were tipped to build on last season's third place showing with Andre Onana appearing to suit the philosophy that Ten Hag wants to implement, but the former Inter Milan shot stopper has been error-strewn throughout his time in England.
Mason Mount is also struggling to make an impact with United already in danger of losing pace with those at the top ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby.
Sherwood added: "Man Utd, the biggest club in the world, without a playing identity. No wonder they cant find the right players to bring in because they haven't got an identity to go from. What is the blueprint - I don't see it. At the moment I think it is a shambles. They played Copenhagen in midweek and they got away with it."