Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has claimed that modern footballers struggle with criticism due to social media, making them less “thick-skinned” than past generations.
What Happened?
Ten Hag, who transitioned from player to manager in 2012, believes today’s players are more sensitive to public opinion, especially online criticism. He revealed that he had to be softer with the United squad to avoid demotivating them, unlike his own playing days when direct criticism was more acceptable.
What Ten Hag Said
Speaking on SEG Stories, Ten Hag explained:
“This generation usually finds it difficult to deal with criticism. It really gets to them. The generation I grew up in had much thicker skin. You could be much more direct with them.
If I was to do that with the current group of players, I would demotivate them.”
He also pointed out that social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have shortened players’ attention spans, making it harder to communicate tactical instructions effectively.
“They have a very short attention span, and in that short span, you need to deliver your message. But football is complex, and that is the biggest challenge for all of us.”
The Bigger Picture
Ten Hag was dismissed in October after a poor start to the season left United in 14th place, with just three wins from their first nine league games. Despite winning two cup titles, his Premier League record fell below expectations.
What’s Next for Manchester United?
Ten Hag’s replacement, Ruben Amorim, has struggled to turn things around, with United still languishing in 14th place after just five wins in 16 league matches. However, they will have a chance to revive their season when they take on Fulham in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday.
