In a revealing insight into Manchester United’s recent struggles, the former assistant manager René Merlu suggested that some players were reluctant to heed instructions from the coaching staff during his brief spell at Old Trafford.
Hake, who joined the club last summer as part of an INEOS-led coaching set-up shake-up, has worked alongside the new manager Erik Ten Hag before being shown the exit door shortly after the Dutchman’s dismissal at the end of October.
Speaking to Dutch newspaper AD, the 52-year-old explained that while some players, such as Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes, were receptive to the staff’s methods, others were more reluctant to change.
“(Rashford and Garnacho) were quickly willing to work on the timing of their deep runs,” Hake said. “With Bruno Fernandes, it was a lot about choosing a position in our build-up.
However, the former Go Ahead Eagles coach added: “But sometimes players would say, ‘I’d rather not change anything about my game at the moment,’ and you have to accept that.
Hake’s comments provide a rare insight into the challenges facing United’s coaches in implementing their tactical vision, with the club’s long-held desire to recapture the team’s winning culture. Mr Alex Ferguson era apparently in contradiction with the mentalities of certain actors.
The experienced coach also praised Casemiro’s influence, describing the Brazilian midfielder as having “an antenna” and the ability to “already sense what is going to happen on the pitch” when it matters most.
Despite his brief tenure, Hake appears to have no ill will towards the club, saying: “I have no hard feelings. I worked well with the players, staff and other staff members. I said goodbye to everyone to finish well.
With United currently sitting 13th in the Premier League and preparing for a crucial Manchester derby against rivals City on Sunday, Hake’s revelations could raise further questions about the team’s willingness to fully embrace the changes introduced by Amorim and his coaching team.
