Rafael van der Vaart has warned Manchester United’s pampered underperformers that they must adapt to Erik ten Hag’s intense methods or risk being “thrown out”.
Ajax manager Ten Hag is expected to be named the Red Devils next permanent manager after agreeing to terms with the Premier League giants. An announcement is imminent and could come after this weekend’s KNVB Cup final with PSV.
The 52-year-old is set to sign a three-year contract at Old Trafford and will have the option to extend that further, should he enjoy the success his predecessors have so often failed to achieve. Ten Hag has enjoyed great success at Ajax and will arrive in English football with a reputation for exhausting and strenuous methods which enable his sides to adopt a high-pressing, high octane style.
And after the stewardship of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, which was often criticised for its relaxed style, Van der Vaart has warned that his compatriot will take no prisoners in his pursuit of transforming United and those not willing to change will be turfed out.
“Ten Hag to Manchester United? It’s nice. You don’t let a club like Manchester United wait,” he told Ziggo Sport. “These players at Manchester United don’t have any excuses anymore. They made so many managers leave while they are playing so bad, now they get a manager who will be very clear and will present his plan. Those who won’t cooperate will get thrown out.”
Reports have claimed that Ten Hag issued an ultimatum to Old Trafford bosses and demanded that he would have full control over recruitment and retention - in order to be able to shape the squad in his own image.
But Van der Vaart, who enjoyed success in the Premier League with Tottenham, has claimed that the Dutchman would have likely still taken the job without those assurances. "Nice, isn't it? You read the reports that he kept Manchester United waiting, but that really won't keep you waiting,” he added via Voetbal Foetbal. “With all due respect to Ten Hag... If you receive such an offer, you should not think about it, but go with that banana.
"You have to stay a little humble. He is a great trainer, he did a great job at Ajax. But Manchester United or the big clubs, don't let that wait.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Is Erik ten Hag the correct choice as next Man Utd boss? Let us know in the comments
"Whether you are allowed to help determine the transfers, that does not interest you at all. He will absolutely have asked. But if United had said: that is not allowed... Then he would have gone there by bicycle."
Ten Hag is set to begin his reign on July 1, after a season which will likely see the Red Devils miss out on Champions League football, as well as falling miles behind their domestic rivals. But Van der Vaart believes with United at such a low ebb, the time is perfect to get his ideas in place.
"It is a great selection, but they just play very badly. It is not always the coach's fault. You can say: Ten Hag is not the big name in England. But maybe that is an advantage going to work on his plan, just get out of it."
