Erik ten Hag brilliantly explains why big signings struggle at Manchester United

• Erik ten Hag hinted at why some players are struggling at Manchester United
• The gaffer says it is easier to play for other clubs compared to the Old Trafford club
• Several big-money United players have failed to live up to expectations

Erik ten Hag has claimed it is much more challenging to play for Manchester United than for other clubs in an interesting press conference on January 12.

United, who are experiencing another turbulent season, come up against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in a match they must win to keep their European ambitions alive.

The Red Devils find themselves in eighth on the log with 31 points, nine behind fourth-placed Arsenal.

They crashed out of the Champions League this season after finishing bottom of Group A with just one win from six games.

The Red Devils’ only plausible silverware to clinch this season is the FA Cup, as they are in the fourth round after seeing off Wigan Athletic on Monday.

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Ten Hag reflects on playing for Manchester United

All factors considered, Manchester United is a shadow of its former self.

It is now well over a decade since the club won the Premier League title, and the wait is set to continue despite heavy investment in signings over the years.

According to Football365, United have spent over £1.5 billion in signings since Fergie’s departure, with very little returns in terms of silverware.

During his press conference ahead of the game against Spurs, Ten Hag explained why he believed a player has to have a tough mentality to play for the 13-time Premier League champions.

“First of all, and I've said it more early on, playing for Man United is so much different to playing for any other club,” Ten Hag said as quoted on the club website.

“It's so much more difficult to play for Man United and to perform for Man United as you can do for any other club. So, you need very strong character to perform, to deal with high expectations.”

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Over the years, United have signed some big names, including Alexis Sanches, Angel Di Maria, Edinson Cavani, Paul Pogba and even their former legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

But despite heavy investment in players, the club always tends to fall short when it comes to being competitive, especially when it comes to the league title.

“Of course, when the price is too high, then the expectations will rise even more so you need even more strong characters,” Ten Hag added, referring to the summer signings. “But I said it previously, this is the best club you want to play for, this is the best challenge you want to go for.”

One of United’s latest big-name signings, Jadon Sancho, fell out with the manager and has since returned to Borussia Dortmund on loan.

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Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported on Borussia Dortmund’s savage post after signing Sancho on loan.

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The 23-year-old winger is back with the German club six months after a public falling out with Ten Hag.

While announcing Sancho, Dortmund used the exact words United used on their social media handles to announce the England international in 2021.