Jamie Carragher makes Jose Mourinho point as he slams Man United's progress under Erik ten Hag

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has suggested Erik ten Hag has been given "too much power and control" when it comes to recruitment at Manchester United, as well as questioning his side's style of play.

Since arriving at Old Trafford in May 2022, Ten Hag, who will watch his side face Manchester City in Sunday's derby, has signed almost 20 players, most of whom have checked in on permanent deals. After attempting to rebuild United's midfield last season, drafting in the likes of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro, Ten Hag added further new faces to his squad in the summer, bringing in Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund for big-money fees.

United have also relied on the loan market since Ten Hag arrived, bringing in six players on temporary deals, including current loanees Sergio Reguilon and Sofyan Amrabat.

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Lisandro Martinez, Eriksen and Casemiro were the best of Ten Hag's new recruits last season, with Antony failing to live up to his big-money price tag. Mount is yet to leave his calling card this term, while Hojlund, to his credit, has made a steady start.

Ultimately, however, Carragher believes United should be getting a lot more out of the players Ten Hag has brought in. He has also compared United's style of play directly to how it was under former managers Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

"It must be worrying for United fans that they are still spending so much time seeking excuses for this low standard," Carragher said, penning his column for The Telegraph. "Mitigating factors such as boardroom uncertainty can only