The Man Utd blame game! Old Trafford chiefs locked in internal war over 'summer shambles' which led to strange treatment of sacked manager Erik ten Hag

Manchester United had a challenging 2023–24 season, finishing in eighth place - the lowest the team has ever achieved in the Premier League - and coming last in their Champions League group. Ten Hag's future was therefore the subject of much summertime speculation until Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS-led footballing organisation made the decision to remain with the Dutchman and initiate a one-year contract extension. The Red Devils then signed Ten Hag's preferred players in the summer, spending almost £200 million. However, results didn't follow and Ten Hag was shown the door last month as United lulled in 14th place in the Premier League with just four wins in 14 matches in all competitions.

The Sun claims that the Old Trafford hierarchy are now debating who was responsible for this disappointing series of events stringing from the summer and into this season. Despite the recent appointments of sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox, the club's recruitment strategy is also being called into dispute as new signings have struggled to perform.

Ten Hag's dismissal alone cost over £15m, and they also had to pay £10m to bring in Ruben Amorim and his coaching staff from Sporting CP, plus an additional charge to allow the Portuguese coach to shorten his notice term with the Primera Liga defending champions.

United's top brass will be hopeful that Amorim will have a better time as head coach at Old Trafford as he took over his responsibility last week and will oversee his first match when the Red Devils take on Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Sunday, November 24.