Modern players find criticism offensive - Ten Hag

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The 55-year-old Dutch coach was dismissed by United in October, just three months after he had extended his contract for an additional two years.

His time at the club was marked by numerous conflicts and challenges with players.

In an interview with SEG Stories, a media platform associated with his management agency, Ten Hag commented, "This generation often struggles to handle criticism. It deeply affects them.

"The generation I belonged to had a tougher exterior. One could be much more straightforward.

"I was confronted in a much more upfront manner. If I were to treat my present group of players in that way, I would risk demotivating them.

"Applying that approach to the current generation might come across as offensive to them."

During his two complete seasons at United, Ten Hag secured both the FA Cup and the League Cup; however, the team ended up in eighth place last season, marking their poorest finish in the Premier League.

Midway through Ten Hag's first season, Cristiano Ronaldo's contract was terminated following an interview in which he stated he did not hold Ten Hag in high regard.

Jadon Sancho was removed from the first-team squad after he accused Ten Hag of making him a "scapegoat" for his lackluster performances during training.

Last year, Ten Hag took disciplinary action against Marcus Rashford for being absent from training due to an unauthorized trip to Belfast.

Recently, former United defender Raphael Varane expressed his surprise that the club renewed Ten Hag's contract, noting that his relationship with the players had "dissolved."

Nonetheless, Ten Hag received accolades for nurturing younger talents such as Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo at Old Trafford.

He remarked that managers "need to show them (modern players) more affection."

"With this generation, you must adjust your language and methods," he noted.

"(Sir Alex) Ferguson belonged to a different era. In that time, communication and tactics could be much more candid.

"A player from today's generation would feel belittled if approached in that manner."

Ten Hag stated that he will not pursue a new position until the next season and expressed his "gratitude" towards United supporters for their backing.

"What distinguishes Manchester United fans is their unwavering support for the team, even during challenging times," Ten Hag remarked.

"I felt valued, and I sensed that support whenever I walked through the streets of Manchester."