Ian Wright claims Man United players are “getting worse” under Erik ten Hag

Manchester United players have been “getting worse” under manager Erik ten Hag, according to Arsenal legend Ian Wright.

The BBC analyst used Tottenham and Aston Villa as examples of how their respective clubs have improved under the leadership of Ange Postecoglou and Unai Emery respectively.

Wright feels that ten Hag has not had the same effect, arguing that some players—like Marcus Rashford—have regressed.

He said: “You can look at [Aston] Villa players, he [Unai Emery] came after Stevie [Gerrard]. Look at the Tottenham players after [Antonio] Conte, these players have improved with the coaching they’re getting. Man United players are not improving. In actual fact they are getting worse. I watched Rashford the other day, it looks like his decision-making, whatever his decision-making, it’s off, he scored a beautiful goal, but it’s off.

“I think you look at Man United, it’s pure and simple, I think it’s great Sir Jim [Ratcliffe] is coming in, he looks like he’s very much a massive supporter, he wants to make change because obviously being a fan as well. He could’ve done so many other things, but he’s come in because he wants to put it right. I think if he gets those people… it comes down to the structure on the pitch and the coach [Ten Hag], is that coach good enough?”

Some might say that this criticism of ten Hag from Wright is a little harsh. To say that Rashford has regressed under the Dutch manager is not a fair assessment.

Only last season, the England international enjoyed his best season at the club. The Man United star tallied 30 goals and bagged 11 assists in 56 games last season and was easily ten Hag’s best player.

Prior to ten Hag moving at Old Trafford, the forward had a poor record, scoring only five goals in 32 games in the season before that.

ten Hag has shown faith in youngsters Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo and they have responded the call of the manager.

However, the former Ajax manager can be criticised for his failure to develop a playing style at the club that is desperately needed.