Posted: 05:10, September 5, 2022 | Updated: 06:44, September 5, 2022
Erik ten Hag’s Dutch mentality has allowed him to make the big decisions needed to turn Manchester United around Craig Burley.
The Red Devils boss recorded his fourth straight Premier League win since taking charge at Old Trafford with a 3-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday.
Since taking the reins at the Premier League club, the Dutchman has made some crucial decisions, including moving on bench striker Cristiano Ronaldo and team captain Harry Maguire.
Erik ten Hag’s Dutch mentality allowed him to make the big decisions, claimed Craig Burley
The Man United manager recorded his fourth win in five games with his side’s victory over Arsenal
Burley claimed that Ten Haag’s ruthless mentality allowed him to make those key choices, as he insisted the manager’s decision-making ability was never in doubt.
Speaking to ESPN after the game, Burley said: “Shaka said he wasn’t sure Ten Hag had the stomach to make the big decisions. I was sure.
“Because the Dutch people I’ve worked with, that’s their mentality. Maybe not all of them but most of them. The managers and players I worked with at Celtic and Chelsea are so lonely, they’re great team-mates but when they make a decision it’s them, their thing.
“Gulit had no problem doing it whether it was good or bad or it affected me. Jansen was the same. If it didn’t work, he cut you off.
Since taking charge, Ten Haag has made the decision to bench Cristiano Ronaldo (left)
Burley claimed that Ten Hag’s ruthless mentality allowed him to make these key choices
“For me, one of the big success stories in Dutch football is when it doesn’t work for them, generally their managers are very ruthless, they will make decisions. Him too [Ten Hag] he’s already shown that, but I don’t think there was any doubt that he was going to make decisions.”
However, Burley’s partner Shaka Hislop did not have the same confidence in Ten Hag.
He previously claimed he did not believe the Red Devils boss had what it takes to turn United’s fortunes around, but admitted he had been proven wrong since Ten Haag’s start at Old Trafford.
“Stubbornness to Erik ten Haag,” said Hislop. “After the Brentford game I said I’m not sure Erik ten Hag has what it takes to turn this Manchester United team around. I’m not sure he has the presence to make some of the big decisions Manchester United need, that’s what I said.
Burley collaborator Shaka Hislop admitted that Ten Hag has “proven me wrong on so many levels”
“He has proven me wrong on so many levels. Leave Harry Maguire out, that was an easier decision. Leave Ronaldo out. You thought the only way to get Ronaldo out of this team was to sell him, but he’s still there and Ten Hag is sticking to his decision.
“I thought the football we saw Manchester United play in this game and against Liverpool showed the best Manchester United can be.
“And credit to him, getting the best out of Rashford, the best out of Dalot, his defensive partnership, leaving out Maguire.”
Anthony’s opener gave United a 1-0 half-time lead before Bucayo Saka leveled the scoreboard for Arsenal on the hour mark.
But Rashford scored twice in 10 minutes to shock the Gunners and give Ten Hag their fourth consecutive Premier League win.
