Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said modern players struggle to deal with criticism in comparison to past generations.
The Dutchman has been reflecting on life post-Old Trafford and the next steps in his career. He was sacked at Manchester United in October following the club’s worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign. Ten Hag is yet to return to management, though has worked in an advisory role at Borussia Dortmund.
However, speaking with SEG Stories podcast, Ten Hag said he might not return to the dugout and is currently enjoying the freedom to do ‘other things’.
“There are so many other things I could do. Maybe in football, in a new position as a manager. That’s an option. And maybe something completely different.
“I’ve been working with my brothers lately. We have our own company. Or rather: they have their own company.
“But we also run a company together with our father. That’s also something I love to do I can now give that more attention and it’s also a lot of fun.”
Ten Hag was also asked what he learned during his time in English football and admits players of his generation had a ‘thicker skin’. He believes modern players are more impacted by criticism.
Erik ten Hag thinks the current generation of players take criticism to heart much more 💔 pic.twitter.com/iDjXdjW2z1
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) February 25, 2025
“This generation, for example, generally has a hard time dealing with criticism. Criticism really affects them.
“The generation I grew up in had much thicker skin. You could be much more direct. If I did that with my players, it would demotivate them.”
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