Raphael Varane Lifts the Lid on Erik ten Hag’s ‘Fear Tactics’ at Manchester United

French Defender Opens Up About Conflicts and Management Style

Former Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has provided an eye-opening insight into Erik ten Hag’s managerial approach during his time at Old Trafford, describing the Dutchman’s methods as a “conflict model” designed to gain respect through fear.

The French centre-back, who joined United in 2021, shared his experiences alongside notable incidents involving Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho, both of whom faced turbulent relationships with Ten Hag.

Ten Hag’s ‘Conflict Model’: Ronaldo and Sancho’s Struggles

Varane, in an exclusive interview with The Athletic, detailed how Erik ten Hag often maintained a confrontational approach with key players, including:

• Cristiano Ronaldo: The Portuguese superstar was frozen out by Ten Hag and eventually forced to move to Al Nassr in January 2023.
• Jadon Sancho: Endured a six-month standoff with the manager after refusing to issue a public apology, leading to a prolonged spell away from the first team.

Varane suggested that this conflict-driven strategy was not isolated incidents but rather a pattern of behavior:

“He always needed an example of a player who was alone the entire time he was at Manchester. He did that with at least one important player on the team. He was always in conflict with certain leaders of the group. That is his way of managing.”

Varane’s Own Struggles Under Ten Hag

The serial European champion himself did not escape Ten Hag’s hardline tactics. Despite starting as part of the first-choice backline, Varane found himself benched unexpectedly in the 2023/24 season.

He revealed that a “robust discussion” with Ten Hag led to his absence from the team for nearly two months:

“We told each other some truths, but then I didn’t play for almost two months. I said I didn’t agree with certain ways of doing things regarding the relationship between him and the team. It wasn’t good in terms of the relationship with the coach.”

Varane added that while Ten Hag occasionally listened to player feedback, his decisions often felt one-sided and lacked consideration for the squad’s morale.

Did Ten Hag’s Approach Backfire at Manchester United?

With Varane’s candid comments, the question arises: Did Erik ten Hag’s “fear tactics” ultimately do more harm than good at Manchester United?

As the club navigates post-Ten Hag transition, fans are left wondering whether a more collaborative approach could have yielded better results and harmony within the squad.

What do you think? Were Ten Hag’s management tactics necessary to maintain discipline, or did they create unnecessary divisions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!