Sir Alex Ferguson's true opinion on Erik ten Hag's Man Utd signings & Casemiro's concerns over Dutchman's training approach revealed after INEOS sack decision

More details are beginning to emerge about the causes of Ten Hag's downfall at Old Trafford. Senior players felt the Dutchman was extreme in his punishment of Cristiano Ronaldo two years ago, and it's also been reported that Casemiro had little confidence in his training methods. Furthermore, club legend Ferguson questioned the quality of the signings made under Ten Hag.

According to The Athletic, Ferguson, a regular at United games since his departure as manager in 2013, told friends that signings have been below the required level. The likes of Antony, Mason Mount and Casemiro were all brought in for expensive fees that haven't worked out, while Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee haven't exactly hit the ground running. The fact that veteran defender Jonny Evans has been one of the better arrivals says a lot about the recruitment under Ten Hag.

In addition to the disappointing signings, some players weren't completely impressed with Ten Hag's approach to training. Casemiro thought the former Ajax coach should have relaxed his intense sessions and preferred Carlo Ancelotti's style at Real Madrid that gave players more freedom and control on their workload.

Ruud van Nistelrooy will oversee Wednesday's game against Leicester in the League Cup, which may prove to be his only game in interim charge as the club pursue Sporting CP head coach Ruben Amorim.