Former Man Utd star reveals what was 'irritating' Erik ten Hag before getting sacked
Phil Jones was at Old Trafford during Erik ten Hag's first season in charge of Manchester United and the 32-year-old has shared some insight into the Dutchman's reign
by Matthew Cooper · The MirrorFormer Manchester United defender Phil Jones has revealed Erik ten Hag was left "irritated by people questioning him" towards the end of his reign at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag was sacked by United on Monday after two-and-a-half years in charge, with Sporting boss Ruben Amorim is set to be appointed as his replacement. And Jones has shared some insight into what it was like under Ten Hag, having been at Old Trafford during the Dutchman's first season in charge.
"I literally went out on the grass and I knew that was my last training session anyway, so it's very difficult for me to even comprehend what he was saying," Jones said on the latest episode of Planet Premier League.
"So he obviously outlined exactly what he wanted to do and his staff, and I think he's very proud of what he did at Ajax and I think he backed himself to make good decisions. He was confident in making bold decisions.
"I don't think he's too bothered about what people think in terms of decisions he's making. But then again, you look and I'm only looking - like you guys are looking - from the outside towards the end of his tenure at United.
"You think he probably got a bit irritated by people questioning him and hence his response every time about winning the two trophies and it was difficult for him." Ten Hag frequently pointed to the fact that he had won the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup during his time at Old Trafford.
And that included his final ever press conference, which took place ahead of United's Carabao Cup clash against Leicester even though Ten Hag was ultimately sacked before the game took place and Ruud van Nistelrooy oversaw a 5-2 victory.
When asked if winning a third trophy this season would make it a success, Ten Hag insisted: "Definitely, it's about trophies. I don't want to go into this debate again, but I think it's the truth that there are not so many trophies you can win.
"If you win a trophy in pro football, that is most important because that is what the fans expect and what we expect, to win a trophy. We have had five opportunities, one we missed and that was the first in the Community Shield, with still four to go."
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