Former Barcelona and Brazil star Rivaldo was once critical of prospective Erik ten Hag replacement Zinedine Zidane’s management for a key reason.
Manchester United boss Ten Hag admitted “one of two” players have questioned his style of play, amid reports of dressing room unrest at Carrington.
United have received severe criticism for their dismal display in a 1-0 loss against Newcastle United, and stories subsequently emerged the manager had lost the confidence of sections of his dressing room.
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When asked about the claims Ten Hag said: “I always listen to my players and I always give them opportunities to tell, if the players have a different opinion of course I will listen.
“But they haven’t told me – or maybe one or two. But it is about in general: the majority, they want to play like this – proactive, dynamic, brave, that is what they want. You can see the players are behind it because of the performances against Everton and Galatasaray. Do you think we can make the goals we did against Everton if the players don’t embrace it? I am sure [the players are behind me].
“You can see for instance the comeback against Brentford, the Burnley game, the Fulham game. You can see you can’t play such great football as we did lately if there is no unity.”
Former Real boss Zidane has been among the names linked with the Old Trafford club, should Ten Hag ultimately be dismissed at United.
Though the Frenchman guided Los Blancos to three Champions League triumphs, Brazil legend Rivaldo was once critical of Zidane’s treatment of young players while praising then Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman.
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In 2021, Rivaldo wrote in his Betfair column as per Marca: "I have always said that the key to managing young talents is not to put too much pressure on them, and I think [Ronald] Koeman is doing well, bringing the kids together with [Sergio] Busquets, [Lionel] Messi and Jordi Alba. Koeman deserves to be congratulated and respected for that management.
"I don't know who will be behind all this, but [Zinedine] Zidane is doing the opposite of what he did when he started using young talents like [Fede] Valverde, Rodrygo [Goes] or Vinicius [Junior]," Rivaldo said of Zidane's management of youngsters.
"I read this week that it could be a punishment because Vinicius would have looked at his mobile phone during a Zidane talk.
“Those things do not have to be solved by leaving a footballer without playing, because then you are hurting your own team and Zidane himself. It would mean dropping a footballer who could be crucial in many games. That is usually resolved with a fine."
Topics: Football, Rivaldo, Manchester United, Zinedine Zidane, Erik Ten Hag
Chris Byfield