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Erik ten Hag joined Manchester United from Ajax in 2022 Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says modern players struggle to deal with criticism and that his generation had "much thicker skin". The 55-year-old Dutchman was sacked by United in October, three months after he signed a new two-year contract. His tenure included several issues and disputes with players. Speaking to SEG Stories, external - a media outlet attached to his management agency - Ten Hag said: "This generation usually find it difficult to deal with criticism. Criticism really gets to them. "The generation that I grew up in had much thicker skin. You could be much more direct. "I was approached much more directly. If I would do that with my current group of players I would demotivate them. "If you do that to the current generation they find it offensive. " Ten Hag won the FA Cup and League Cup during his two full seasons at United, but they finished eighth in the table last season, their worst Premier League finish. Cristiano Ronaldo's contract was terminated midway through Ten Hag's first season after he gave an interview to Piers Morgan in which he said he did not respect Ten Hag. Jadon Sancho was banished from the first-team squad after accusing Ten Hag of making him a "scapegoat" following criticism of his performances in training. Ten Hag disciplined Marcus Rashford last year for missing training following an unauthorised trip to Belfast. Former United defender Raphael Varane last week said he was surprised the club gave Ten Hag a new contract because his connection with the players "no longer existed". Inside Ten Hag's turbulent time at Manchester United However, Ten Hag was praised for developing younger players such as Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo at Old Trafford. He said managers "have to show them (modern players) more love". "With this generation you choose different words and a different approach, " he said. "(Sir Alex) Ferguson also belonged to the previous generation. With that generation you could be much more direct in your communication and approach. "A player of this generation will feel ridiculed if you approach them like that. " Ten Hag, who said he will not take a new job until next season, said he was "grateful" to United fans for their support. "What makes the Manchester United fans so special is that they stand by the team even in the face of setbacks, " said Ten Hag. "I was appreciated and I always felt that when I walked the streets of Manchester. " Latest Manchester United news, analysis and fan views Get Man Utd news notifications Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Archer takes all three as England reduce Afghanistan to 37-3 Premier League reaction as Chelsea return to top four F1 testing 2025: Hamilton on track for Ferrari first in Bahrain Do something funny for money this Red Nose Day Comic Relief is hitting the Big 4-0 and this Red Nose Day we’re going big to celebrate! Franz Ferdinand performs an electrifying session An effortless collaboration between the BBC Concert Orchestra and Franz Ferdinand Actor Bryan Cranston traces his father’s family line Lost connections and unknown histories are revealed as Bryan traces his family trees Sharing personal stories of discovery and family identity A death-bed promise to solve a family mystery takes a daughter on a remarkable journey Harsher bans needed to stop dangerous tackles - Warburton. Video Harsher bans needed to stop dangerous tackles - Warburton Keep smiling and goals will come, Maresca tells Palmer Mourinho v Turkish football - what is going on? 'The mood is buzzing' - Palace thrash Villa as Wharton shines Lions watch week three: Fly-halves, back three & captain In Pictures: Sporting photos of the week What did we learn from Ferguson's Rangers unveiling? The Premier League perils awaiting Leeds as promotion edges closer The Carragher & Africa Cup of Nations row explained Sutton's predictions v singer Paige Cavell Is Salah set for greatest individual Premier League season? Crumbling fortresses - why are teams struggling to win at home? Inside the doping deal for tennis' world number one 'Let's call it now - the title race is over, Liverpool will be champions' 'England have found an edge to bounce back' Everybody wants Usyk - what next for the heavyweights? England find a way to win to stay in title mix Leeds-born Coventry fan Inglis gives England blues with riotous knock 'Missed opportunities haunt Scotland on rough day' What to look out for in MLS this season Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.