Erik ten Hag losing confidence of Manchester United players over tactics and signings

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is losing the confidence of players and some staff members as the club's season continues to spiral.

United lost their tenth game of the season at Newcastle - the earliest they have broken double figures for defeats in a campaign since the club was relegated in 1973-74.

It is understood some staff members and a mounting list of players harbour doubts about his methods as he struggles to salvage United's season.

A dressing room source said the situation is "so bad" while some senior United players have expressed concern at the direction of the club.

Some time-served players are startled by the calibre of Ten Hag's signings. One is believed to be particularly perplexed by the addition of the callow Rasmus Hojlund, a £72million signing from Atalanta who is yet to score in the Premier League.

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Antony, Wout Weghorst, who managed two goals in 31 appearances, and Mason Mount are among the other signings who have been questioned by players.

A minority of players had misgivings about Ten Hag last season amid United's dire away form and those doubts have intensified this term.

Ten Hag has stopped using his post-match stock phrase that the players "didn't follow the rules", which has piqued certain players. The MEN revealed in September United players had started to grow weary of Ten Hag's repetitive criticism.

Several players blame Ten Hag for the regularity of the losses due to the similarity of United's performance level. United players are understood to have been specifically surprised by Ten Hag's sudden tactical shift for the 3-1 home defeat to Brighton in September.

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