Ten Hag criticises United for missing Kane and Rice signings

Summarised from 3 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 20 Oct, 09:31 · Archive

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says the club blocked moves for Harry Kane and Declan Rice during his tenure.

Erik ten Hag, sacked as Manchester United manager in October 2024 after two-and-a-half years in charge, has opened up on his time at the club in an interview with The Athletic. During his tenure he won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, but he has now criticised Manchester United's leadership for blocking player acquisitions he considered essential.

Ten Hag wanted to sign Harry Kane during the 2023 summer transfer window when Kane was at Tottenham with just one year left on his contract. 'I said to them, "I want only one player — and you know who",' ten Hag said of his discussions with the United board. However, the move never materialised. Kane instead joined Bayern Munich, and ten Hag revealed he was kept in the dark by chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough before being told the deal was not possible. 'I fought for it. I heard that he was very positive, but I never spoke with him about the issue,' he said.

Ten Hag also named Declan Rice among the targets he was unable to pursue. Sixteen players arrived at Manchester United during his tenure, many falling short of expectations, including Rasmus Hojlund, who was sold at a loss to Napoli in the summer.

Beyond transfer frustrations, ten Hag opened up on his falling out with Cristiano Ronaldo, accusing the legendary forward of letting him and the team down before his acrimonious departure from the club in November 2022. Despite his departure, ten Hag maintained his affection for United. 'I enjoyed every minute in Manchester United; I have such wonderful memories,' he said, adding that he remains a fan of the club and wants it to return to its former success.

When discussing current manager Michael Carrick, ten Hag defended him against calls for his removal. 'It is not the solution to dismiss him. 100 per cent not,' he said, urging patience and rational decision-making rather than emotional reactions from supporters. Ten Hag is now technical director of FC Twente, his boyhood club in the Netherlands.

How it is being reported

• Man United have a 'toxic culture', sparked by the 'Madrid' trio of Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Casemiro, claims ex-boss Erik ten Hag in damning breakdown of player disciplineFormer United manager Ten Hag has accused the club's hierarchy of fueling a 'toxic culture'. Ten Hag, who was sacked in October 2024, has been forthright in his opinion of his former employers.Daily Mail Sport · 20 Oct, 09:38
• Erik ten Hag accuses Man United chiefs of breaking 'promises' that they would not sell Scott McTominay, made in infamous Ibiza contract summit, as he picks apart their transfer businessErik ten Hag has accused his former Manchester United bosses of breaking promises during his ill-fated spell at Old Trafford, claiming that they sold Scott McTominay against his wishes.Daily Mail Sport · 20 Oct, 09:25
• Erik ten Hag reveals the four players Man Utd stopped him from signingTen Hag left United two years ago (Picture: Shutterstock) Erik ten Hag has blasted Manchester United for failing to bring in Harry Kane and Declan Rice during his time at Old Trafford . The Dutchman won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup during his three seasons in Manchester before being relieved of his…Metro · 20 Oct, 09:18
• Ten Hag on Man Utd's broken 'promises', wanting Kane and Ronaldo tensionErik ten Hag has kept his counsel on Manchester United for two years since his sacking in October 2024, but the affection he built up for the club while winning two trophies still shines through when he speaks.Sky Sports Football · 20 Oct, 09:10
• Ten Hag on Man Utd's broken 'promises', wanting Kane and Ronaldo tensionErik ten Hag has kept his counsel on Manchester United for two years since his sacking in October 2024, but the affection he built up for the club while winning two trophies still shines through when he speaks.Sky Sports · 20 Oct, 09:10

In this story: Erik ten Hag · Harry Kane · Declan Rice · Cristiano Ronaldo · Michael Carrick · Manchester United · FC Twente · Bayern Munich

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