Emmanuel Petit, a 53-year-old French World Cup champion, has expressed his candid opinions on some prominent Manchester United players in connection with their beleaguered manager, Erik ten Hag.
World Cup champion Emmanuel Petit has defended Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, claiming that the club’s great players conceal themselves behind him.
The Red Devils have recovered from a sluggish beginning to the season, achieving a 3-0 victory over Southampton and a 7-0 rout of Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. However, some of their key players continue to falter despite Dutch manager ten Hag facing significant criticism. Former France player Petit, a member of the Arsenal team that secured the Double in 1997-98, believes they have plenty to account for.
During an appearance on BetMGM’s The LineUp, he stated: “I do not concur with the prevailing criticism directed at Erik ten Hag.” The frequent managerial changes at Manchester United complicate matters for the club, and I see that the players may be concealing their shortcomings behind the manager.
I find it unappealing. These guys possess genuine pedigree, however they conceal themselves behind him rather than stepping up and fulfilling their responsibilities for the squad. It is regrettable to observe the club’s current condition. The Premier League requires Manchester United to return to its peak performance, beginning with the players.
The manager has significant responsibility, as does the board in ensuring success in the transfer market; nevertheless, ultimately, the players on the field are accountable, and their performance has been inadequate over an extended period.
Petit, 53, disclosed that he declined the opportunity to join United in 2001. He remembered: “Prior to my joining Chelsea, Sir Alex Ferguson contacted me twice, aware of my dissatisfaction at Barcelona, and we engaged in extensive discussions regarding the project.”
Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, also inquired about the matter, but Claudio Ranieri visited me in person. We dined together, and he was quite pleasant. He effectively persuaded me that Chelsea was the appropriate choice, prompting my relocation there. Ferguson contacted me twice, once a few weeks after my arrival, but I informed him that I had made my decision.
