Erik ten Hag can make tough decisions at Man United because of his ‘ruthless Dutch mentality’

Erik ten Hag has the stomach to make tough decisions at Manchester United because of his ‘ruthless Dutch mentality’, claims Craig Burley as Shaka Hislop admits the manager has ‘proven him wrong on so many levels’

  • Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-1 in a Premier League showdown on Sunday
  • The win was manager Erik ten Hag’s fourth successive victory in the top-flight
  • Since taking charge, he has made choices including benching Cristiano Ronaldo
  • The Dutch manager has now been praised for making the crunch decisions 

Erik ten Hag’s Dutch mentality has allowed him to make the big decisions needed to turn Manchester United around claimed Craig Burley. 

The Red Devils boss recorded his fourth win in five Premier League games since taking charge at Old Trafford with a 3-1 victory over Arsenal on Sunday. 

Since taking the reins at the Premier League club, the Dutchman has made some crunch decisions, including the move to bench star forward Cristiano Ronaldo and club captain Harry Maguire. 

Erik ten Hag’s Dutch mentality has allowed him to make the big decisions, claimed Craig Burley

The Man United boss recorded his fourth win in five games with his side's win over Arsenal

The Man United boss recorded his fourth win in five games with his side’s win over Arsenal

Burley claimed that Ten Hag’s ruthless mentality allowed him to make those key choices as he insisted the manager’s ability to make decisions was never in doubt.  

Speaking on ESPN after the game, Burley said: ‘Shaka said he wasn’t sure Ten Hag had the stomach to make the big decisions. I was sure.

‘Because the Dutch people that I’ve worked with, this is their mentality. Maybe not every single one but the bulk of them. The coaches and players I worked with at Celtic and Chelsea are so single-minded, they’re great teammates, but when they make a decision it’s them, it’s about them. 

‘Gullit had no problem doing it whether it was good or bad or it affected me. Jansen was the same. If it wasn’t working, he cut you. 

Since taking charge, Ten Hag has made the decision to bench Cristiano Ronaldo (left)

Since taking charge, Ten Hag has made the decision to bench Cristiano Ronaldo (left)

Burley claimed that Ten Hag's ruthless mentality allowed him to make those key choices

Burley claimed that Ten Hag’s ruthless mentality allowed him to make those key choices

‘For me that is one of the big success stories in Dutch football is when it’s not working for them generally their managers are very ruthless, they will make decisions. And he [Ten Hag] has already shown it, but I don’t think it was ever in doubt that he was going to make decisions.’

However, Burley’s co-pundit Shaka Hislop did not have the same confidence in Ten Hag. 

He previously claimed that he did not believe the Red Devils boss had what it takes to turn United’s fortunes around but he admitted that he had been proven wrong by Ten Hag’s start to life at Old Trafford. 

‘Credit to Erik ten Hag,’ Hislop said. ‘After the Brentford game I said I’m not sure Erik ten Hag has what it takes to turn this Manchester United team around. I’m not sure he has the presence to make some of the big decisions that Manchester United need, that’s what I said. 

Burley's co-pundit Shaka Hislop admitted Ten Hag has 'proven me wrong on so many levels'

Burley’s co-pundit Shaka Hislop admitted Ten Hag has ‘proven me wrong on so many levels’

‘He’s proven me wrong on so many levels. He’s left Harry Maguire out, that was an easier decision. Left Ronaldo out. You thought the only was to get Ronaldo out of that team is to sell him but he’s still there and Ten Hag has stuck by his decision. 

‘I thought the football we have seen Manchester United play in this game and against Liverpool showed the best Manchester United can be. 

‘And credit to him, for getting the best out if Rashford, the best out of Dalot, for his defensive partnership, for leaving out Maguire.’ 

Antony’s opener handed United a 1-0 lead at half-time, before Bukayo Saka leveled the scoreboard for Arsenal on the hour mark. 

But Rashford scored twice in 10 minutes to shock the Gunners and hand Ten Hag his fourth successive Premier League win.

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