A Tense Partnership: Varane and Ten Hag
Former Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has candidly shared his experiences working under former Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag. Describing their relationship as "tense" and "complicated," Varane revealed that the Dutchman often made decisions without fully considering the players’ feelings. In an interview with The Athletic, the Frenchman stated, "It was very tense at times. Sometimes he made an effort to listen to the players’ feedback. Sometimes he made decisions without listening to the players’ feelings. So there were ups and downs. It was complicated at times." This dynamic often left the players feeling uncertain and frustrated, particularly as ten Hag seemed to thrive on creating conflict within the team.
High-Profile Clashes and Their Aftermath
Ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United was marked by several high-profile confrontations, most notably with Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho. The fallout with Ronaldo began a few months into ten Hag’s reign when the Portuguese star refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham. Ronaldo later accused ten Hag of disrespect in a sensational interview with Piers Morgan, leading to the termination of his Manchester United contract in November 2022. Sancho also found himself at odds with the manager after he criticized ten Hag on social media for claiming that the winger’s training performances were sub-par. Sancho’s refusal to apologize led to his removal from first-team training and subsequent transfers to Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea. These conflicts highlighted the managerial style that prioritized control and fear over collaboration and respect.
Varane’s Personal Struggles
While Varane’s issues with ten Hag were not as public or severe as those of Ronaldo and Sancho, the defender still experienced significant tension. He recounted a "robust discussion" with the manager that led to an extended and unexplained spell on the sidelines. "We had a robust discussion. We told each other some truths, but then I didn’t play for almost two months," Varane said. The issues he raised were centered around the manager’s approach to team dynamics and player relationships. "I said I didn’t agree with certain ways of doing things regarding the relationship between him and the team. It wasn’t something that I thought was good for the team because some of the players weren’t at all satisfied. It was not good in terms of the relationship with the coach," he added. This period of inactivity, from mid-October to December 2023, left Varane feeling disheartened and disconnected from the team.
The FA Cup Final and Its Aftermath
One of the highlights of Varane’s time at Old Trafford was the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. However, this triumph was overshadowed by the uncertainty surrounding ten Hag’s future. Despite the team’s success, the connection between the manager and the players had deteriorated significantly by this point. "The connection with the group no longer existed," Varane said, reflecting on the build-up to the match. He was surprised when ten Hag remained as manager after the win, believing it would have been more appropriate for a change in leadership. "I was surprised he remained as manager after the FA Cup final because he had lost connection with the team," Varane noted. The Dutchman’s survival, in Varane’s view, was a mistake that further eroded the team’s morale and performance.
The Decision to Leave
Recognizing the shifting dynamics at Old Trafford, Varane decided to end his three-year stint with the club. In an interview with French outlet L’Equipe, he admitted that he had initially hoped to stay at Old Trafford beyond the expiration of his contract. However, the challenging environment and the loss of team cohesion made it clear that a change was necessary. "I wanted to stay, but I realized the winds had turned in Manchester," Varane explained. His standout performance in the FA Cup final was a fitting conclusion to a moderately successful tenure, which saw him adapt to the Premier League and contribute significantly to the team’s defensive efforts. Despite the challenges, Varane’s time at Manchester United left a lasting impression, both on and off the pitch.
The Current State of Manchester United
Since ten Hag’s departure, Manchester United’s fortunes have continued to decline under new manager Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils have suffered their eighth league defeat, their 12th overall, in a recent 1-0 loss to Tottenham. Currently sitting 15th in the Premier League, the club faces significant pressure to turn things around. The challenges ahead are daunting, but the team’s resilience and the lessons learned from the ten Hag era may serve as a foundation for future success. As Manchester United looks to rebuild and refocus, the candid reflections of players like Varane offer valuable insights into the complex dynamics of leadership and team management in the modern football landscape.
