“He takes no one bending the rules” - Manchester United star who left club shares opinion on Erik ten Hag
Everton midfielder James Garner left Manchester United in 2022 following the arrival of Erik ten Hag. He has now revealed that he made the decision to depart the club after just one conversation with the head coach while also citing his ‘strict nature.’
Garner joined Manchester United’s academy at the age of eight and progressed steadily through the youth teams before eventually making his senior debut in 2019 at just 17 years old. Despite being regarded as a promising talent, first-team opportunities were limited, and he eventually moved to Watford on loan ahead of the 2020-21 season.
After playing just half a season with the Hornets, where he made 20 appearances, Garner joined Nottingham Forest in 2021. His performances truly stood out, as he helped the team earn promotion to the Premier League in 2022.
However, after gaining valuable experience in the Championship, Garner was informed by Erik ten Hag, who had just taken charge at Manchester United, that he was not part of his plans. According to the midfielder, while the Dutch coach is known for his strict approach, he is also an approachable and direct individual.
“Ten Hag is a very approachable guy but is very strict. He takes no one bending the rules. He will say it how it is and will punish people if they have done the wrong things," he said (via Sportsbible).
The 23-year-old also admitted that after his conversation with Ten Hag, he didn’t want to remain on the bench, waiting for opportunities.
“My talk with him was easy. I asked him plain and simple whether I was going to be in the squad or if he saw me playing a part. I felt the conversation did not go as well as I wanted and I made the decision to move," Garner added.
Garner eventually signed with Everton that same year for £15 million and has since made over 60 appearances for the club.
When Cristiano Ronaldo made controversial remarks on Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag
Garner has acknowledged Ten Hag’s strict and straightforward personality. But Cristiano Ronaldo, who departed Manchester United in 2022 following disputes with the manager, stated that he does not respect him.
In his infamous interview with Piers Morgan two years ago, the Portuguese claimed that the Dutchman lacked respect for him. He cited that the manager frequently made comments about him during press conferences.
"The coach didn’t have respect for me. So this is why the relationship, it’s in that way. He keep saying in the press that he come to me, he like me blah, blah, blah, but that is only for the press, 100 per cent. If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never going to have respect for you," he said.
Eventually, Ten Hag called the interview “unacceptable” for the club, leading to Ronaldo’s mutual departure before he joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr in 2023. Ronaldo has also recently criticized Ten Hag for his comments, suggesting that Manchester United cannot compete with top teams. It's a statement he believes is unacceptable given the club’s stature in English football.