Friday, November 1, 2024

Is ‘player power’ an issue at Old Trafford?

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[BBC]

View from inside the players' tunnel at Old TraffordView from inside the players' tunnel at Old Trafford

[Getty Images]

BBC Sport asked Manchester United fans for one topic at the club that is not currently being talked about – among the suggestions was whether “player power” was an issue, amid the turnover of managers in recent years at Old Trafford.

We asked BBC Sport chief football news reporter Simon Stone for his thoughts:

There has been talk of “player power” at United, but I am not sure that goes to the heart of the problem.

I have not had a sense of United’s squad turning against Erik ten Hag, it was more a belief they did not really understand what he was trying to achieve.

The reality is at any club, it is easier to get rid of the manager than a squad-load of players, especially if many of those players have been signed by said manager.

The other aspect at United is a creeping realisation that some of the players are not as good as their reputations suggest they are.

Clearly to reach the standard they have, they must have exceptional ability.

However, many also have significant flaws which is why the club has found consistency, over a considerable period of time, elusive.

Recruitment is always key. That has been the major issue, not the players ganging up on the manager.

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