⚽ Football Transfers Speculation, Odds and Predictions

[Oluwa-btc]

Jadon Sancho should have obeyed and apologised openly to the coach; doing so will not cost him anything. Also, he will not sit on the bench for an extended period of time without playing because this will negatively impact his performance on the field. Jadon Sancho is a promising young player, but his career could have gone rough because he refused to apologise, but he is fortunate to still be a young player with more to offer any team that signs him. His move to Juventus will be fantastic, but I doubt Manchester United will want to loan him out; they'd rather sell him than loan him and I hope Juventus will also agree to buy him rather than having him on loan in the team.

I think Sancho and Erik Ten Hag's egos are the same size and even though in the end everyone has to submit to the coach's decision, it seems that in Sancho's case he has openly rejected Erik Ten Hag's presence as his coach at Manchester United. We don't know for sure the root of the problem, which is clearly about the discipline that Erik ten Hag wants for all his players and here Sancho seems to be so careless at Manchester United. If Sancho really doesn't want to play for Manchester United, he should be ready to be sold and the club must be firm in taking action.

The relationship between Sancho and Erik ten Hag will not improve even if he is only loaned to Juventus and I agree that Manchester United should sell him and be prepared to make a loss if Juventus' offer is low enough to get him.

We should have two sides of this story but we are not ready to go on to talk about the situation of the player. The manager has been backed and Jadon Sancho is most likely to leave after the loan contract he'll be having from any of them clubs most likely Juventus are much serious with him joining the group with Manchester United paying a part of the deal.

Erik Ten Hag has once again said he has no regrets over Jadon Sancho. Amad Diallo since Preseason finally retuned to the full-time training with the club.

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[baeva]

Back in the old days, there were a lot talents which can solo carrying their teams, but it's not gonna possible again in modern football where there's a lot strategy to overcome that. I think it's only Mbappe that can do one man show, both Osimhen and Haaland still need a support from their teammates.

Even Mbappe cannot be a one-man show. If his team is plain bad, he won't be able to do much. He's a good player and the best in his team but he needs his teammates to show for him before he can shine. I don't think there's any player currently that can be a one-man show for his team.
Even Drogba was not a one-man army. If the passes didn't come he won't be able to score.
Drogba was the kind of striker to disturb the opposing defense but most of his goals were given to him. He hardly scores solo goals even those he could create a chance out of nothing sometimes.
Before a player can be called a one-man show the player has to be able to create goals for himself and his teammates, control the tempo of the game, and keep his team alive.
Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar at their peak are the most recent players I could think of that were that good.

Why does everyone delve so deeply into these topics? Football is originally a team game, and if a player single-handedly carries the ball out and scores a goal, then sometimes such people are labelled as tossers who risk failing in attack. Mbappe would fit perfectly into a team with good midfielders. We will see in the winter if he moves to Real Madrid, how good the midfielders are, where he can shine brightly. There are rumours that Real have already gone out to his agent and put conditions on him that if not now, then never. If he refuses, they (Real) will already be trying to buy Haaland and forget about Mbappe forever.

[Huppercase]

Jadon Sancho should have obeyed and apologised openly to the coach; doing so will not cost him anything. Also, he will not sit on the bench for an extended period of time without playing because this will negatively impact his performance on the field. Jadon Sancho is a promising young player, but his career could have gone rough because he refused to apologise, but he is fortunate to still be a young player with more to offer any team that signs him. His move to Juventus will be fantastic, but I doubt Manchester United will want to loan him out; they'd rather sell him than loan him and I hope Juventus will also agree to buy him rather than having him on loan in the team.

I will not judge anyone because as they used to say, there are two side to a coin. We are all human being and I believe what is reported is bigger than what really happened because none of them has spoken up about the whole story and things that has been happening but the media will speculated and Erik Ten been the coach will be favoured forgetting that he might be wrong too for his actions. I think Sancho is not the only player he has been brutal to, he did to Rashford last season but his the type that's simple and let it slide but every other player can not be like Rashford and a spade will be call a spade when it's time.

Sancho had an amazing moment in Dortmund and been a great home of players that comes to limelight, I think it's safe to say that Manchester United degraded his career. The time he was signed to Manchester United to now should be enough for him to make more of what he has done in Dortmund but it seems what he accomplished in Dortmund compare to the years he has spent here is a complete failure. There is nothing bad to want to come to mainstream of football but Manchester United is a very wrong choice of club for him in my opinion.

[QueenVera]

Even Mbappe cannot be a one-man show. If his team is plain bad, he won't be able to do much. He's a good player and the best in his team but he needs his teammates to show for him before he can shine. I don't think there's any player currently that can be a one-man show for his team.
Even Drogba was not a one-man army. If the passes didn't come he won't be able to score.
Drogba was the kind of striker to disturb the opposing defense but most of his goals were given to him. He hardly scores solo goals even those he could create a chance out of nothing sometimes.
Before a player can be called a one-man show the player has to be able to create goals for himself and his teammates, control the tempo of the game, and keep his team alive.
Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar at their peak are the most recent players I could think of that were that good.

Every player didn't just get the fame on their own, they didn't grow to this level of acceptability by themselves. Every fan now sing their praises and would always want to see them perform. They didn't become this good at a solo effort. It's one thing to note that a player cannot get to an expected end without the proper support he needs. A good team is essential in a player's journey.

 A team to back and cheer you up, who's got your back, who supports your goals and visions and will want to see your expansion. No doubt every player has her own goal and they're unique in their own way. The best blessing a player would receive is him having a manager that matches his strength and a team that complements him too. It'd only make the ride easy a bit. Drogba had the best team he needed, so did Messi and Ronaldo when he began to do his wonders. The team helped them grow into becoming the big names they are now. Not shaming the players that are not big names or their teams but it's just a definite notion that a good support system aids an easy drive way to success depending on your personal plans and aims.

[EL MOHA]

We should have two sides of this story but we are not ready to go on to talk about the situation of the player. The manager has been backed and Jadon Sancho is most likely to leave after the loan contract he'll be having from any of them clubs most likely Juventus are much serious with him joining the group with Manchester United paying a part of the deal.

Erik Ten Hag has once again said he has no regrets over Jadon Sancho. Amad Diallo since Preseason finally retuned to the full-time training with the club.

I will also agree that Ten Hag public criticism of the player was not the right thing but Sancho hitting publicly bad at his manager is worse, you don’t do that you act professionally. How many times has the coach and media all bashed Maguire and Wan Bissaka for not been good enough to play at Manchester United but both kept head held high and are now the in the starting line up. What worsen Sancho’s situation more was the fact that the club staffs have begged him to even apologize and allow things slide but he is insisted even though the players too intervened, I think it will be a toxic environment for him and that’s why leaving is the best option. I would’ve blamed Ten Hag for probably lying but with reports from Matic, a fall with Pep at city, SouthGate dropping him from England squad and also Dortmund staffs saying he suffered from keeping up with Time then I wouldn’t blame Ten Hag.

As for his next destination I think it is Dortmund as they Have started discussion on how to make swap with Mallen, which will be a good to me since both players are wide players and of almost same age. Sancho can still find his form back in that league

[temple]

That is how it always is and whether Osimhen plays as good in any other team as he did for Napoli, as you said time will tell. There are players who have no problems whatsoever to always show their best performances regardless of the team they are playing for. I don't know whether Osimhen is that kind of player, but I believe he is good enough to have a place in many top teams. But would he be able to make it into the first eleven players of Real Madrid? I don't know and yet he has the score statistics that drew some attention to him.

Evaluating the Nigerian striker from his past clubs will show that he has succeeded in the French club Lille and is having a good time in Napoli. He is an aggressive player that perfectly suits the Italian league but I think he will also do well in Spain. Playing under an experienced coach like Carlo Ancelotti would bring out the best in the Nigerian striker. Most players will excel anywhere if they play under a good coach and a good team. Real Madrid has some of the best creative players in Europe who will constantly create goalscoring chances for the Nigerian striker. Karim Benzema excelled in Real Madrid because he had the support he needed to score.

Ok but while he was playing for Napoli, there wasn't any tough competition for him and he knew he will get all the time he needs. Still Napoli has a lot of players with high potential in the attacking line, but it is a different story when you try to play for Real Madrid and become super successful compared to when you try to become the main striker for Napoli. Both teams are great, but Real Madrid is never showing mercy when they see a player available on the market who could be 10% better. There is no guarantee for any player at Real Madrid unless they score all the time and this is what I wonder about. Osimhen is very good, but would he be able to score like 25 goals or 30 goals a season for Real Madrid in La Liga?

[coinlocket$]

Mark my words.

Hallan will go to Real Madrid and Mbappè will not. 

[rahmad2nd]

Jadon Sancho should have obeyed and apologised openly to the coach; doing so will not cost him anything. Also, he will not sit on the bench for an extended period of time without playing because this will negatively impact his performance on the field. Jadon Sancho is a promising young player, but his career could have gone rough because he refused to apologise, but he is fortunate to still be a young player with more to offer any team that signs him. His move to Juventus will be fantastic, but I doubt Manchester United will want to loan him out; they'd rather sell him than loan him and I hope Juventus will also agree to buy him rather than having him on loan in the team.

The last rumor I read was that Jadon Sancho was banned from activities with Manchester United's main squad. in other words, he is not in Erik Ten Hag's squad and is not even on United's bench, if I am wrong for this information, please correct it.
Talking about this player, recently he has been heavily rumored again. a few weeks earlier, Juventus were interested in him. however, with a loan player option. Meanwhile, what we have heard is that United does not want to keep him even though there are various rumors whose truth cannot be confirmed.

This is reinforced by Fabrizio Romano's report, Erik Ten Hag said he "does not regret" the decision regarding the Jadon Sancho case. which we can interpret, Ten Hag remains with his stance. So, it is very likely that next January, Sancho will be on the selling list of one of United's players. The latest rumors are circulating that Borussia Dortmund is offering to exchange Sancho with Donyell Malen to Manchester United, this report is quoted from Germany's Sport Blid. It's interesting whether Ten Hag will be interested if this option is true and we'll find out soon. at least, more ideal than being loaned to Juventus. But, let's just wait for further developments. because, if United set a high transfer price for this player, I'm not sure many clubs will be interested in him. except, Saudi clubs. and that's if the player is willing, so there's no other word other than we'll wait for any developments.

[LUCKMCFLY]

Back in the old days, there were a lot talents which can solo carrying their teams, but it's not gonna possible again in modern football where there's a lot strategy to overcome that. I think it's only Mbappe that can do one man show, both Osimhen and Haaland still need a support from their teammates.

Even Mbappe cannot be a one-man show. If his team is plain bad, he won't be able to do much. He's a good player and the best in his team but he needs his teammates to show for him before he can shine. I don't think there's any player currently that can be a one-man show for his team.
Even Drogba was not a one-man army. If the passes didn't come he won't be able to score.
Drogba was the kind of striker to disturb the opposing defense but most of his goals were given to him. He hardly scores solo goals even those he could create a chance out of nothing sometimes.
Before a player can be called a one-man show the player has to be able to create goals for himself and his teammates, control the tempo of the game, and keep his team alive.
Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar at their peak are the most recent players I could think of that were that good.

Why does everyone delve so deeply into these topics? Football is originally a team game, and if a player single-handedly carries the ball out and scores a goal, then sometimes such people are labelled as tossers who risk failing in attack. Mbappe would fit perfectly into a team with good midfielders. We will see in the winter if he moves to Real Madrid, how good the midfielders are, where he can shine brightly. There are rumours that Real have already gone out to his agent and put conditions on him that if not now, then never. If he refuses, they (Real) will already be trying to buy Haaland and forget about Mbappe forever.

What happens is that now football is measured in other ways, there are more stars and they can make the difference in a team, we are clear that football is 11 and that only 1 player can make the difference, now what we have Seen from football there are many stars, and they clearly stand out and are the ones who can make the Difference at any given moment, because a player stands out above the rest, because he has the ability to score a goal when no one expects him, he can make a play that works for him. so that he can focus on making better plays in Attack or defense, that contribute much more, that is what some see to be able to make a difference , in this Order of ideas we are people who sometimes do not see what we have there at the same time. front, but we must see that when it comes to players like Mbappé, Haaland, Messi himself, CR7, and others, they are special players, who are much better than some of those who are always there, that's why some countries, some teams win faster or gain more without suffering as much because they have at least one star who contributes much more.

There are many players who make a Difference in the world , on each of the continents they have their best players , who only see themselves in the way they do well, but I also agree with what they say, if there is a team that Don't give them the game, don't let them help you, how can a player stand out? There is no way, the star player has to know that without his team he does not shine , so the most intelligent coach like Peoe in his time with Barcelona made the team play only for Messi, that is , Everything happened to Messi so that he was in charge of scoring the goals , that's why there was so much controversy with his other players who were the stars , because everyone gave him plays and he was the one who shone , so in this Order of days things can be seen like this and not from Others as Everyone believes.

[Docnaster]

More rumors today about a possible loan for Sancho to Juventus.

Remember it will be possible only if Manchester will pay a part of his salary, Juventus can probably use the money of Pogba salary due the imminent ban.

Juventus stands to sign him from Manchester United? Probably one of these rumors circulating round. Jadon Sancho have become more aggressive and no longer feature in Manchester United matches due to the problem he has with the headcoach, Erik Ten Hag. We are quite aware of the problem that raised between them and Erik Ten Hag demand an open apology from the player, and Sancho have been recalcitrant since then. Pushing for an exits door from Old Trafford is very possible because he's a potential player that has alot to handle in the frontline, young and promising.

Jadon Sancho should have obeyed and apologised openly to the coach; doing so will not cost him anything. Also, he will not sit on the bench for an extended period of time without playing because this will negatively impact his performance on the field. Jadon Sancho is a promising young player, but his career could have gone rough because he refused to apologise, but he is fortunate to still be a young player with more to offer any team that signs him. His move to Juventus will be fantastic, but I doubt Manchester United will want to loan him out; they'd rather sell him than loan him and I hope Juventus will also agree to buy him rather than having him on loan in the team.

The main cause of the rift between Jadon Sancho and Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag wasn't disclosed to the public as the ones reported to the media are all believed to be mere rumours but whatever might have caused the issue that angered the manager so much that he said Sancho must apologize to be recalled to the first team must have been very humiliating to the club manager hence that level of action. So in my own opinion, I think it was very bad for a player of Sancho's age and standard to refuse to apologize to his trainer.
Hopefully the loan deal to Juventus materializes for the England international to start enjoying top football once again and prepare to prove himself to England national team manager Gareth Southgate that he's good enough to be picked for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament.

[TelolettOm]

It looks like Joao Felix's situation is becoming more complicated in the future and I think this will be a difficult decision for his career. We know that the relationship between Atletico and Joao Felix is not very good and he is only comfortable at Barcelona. But indeed the steps that Barcelona should take to make him permanent will also experience obstacles in terms of costs. It's certainly not easy for Barcelona from their current finances and right now we don't know what the next steps will be. Even being on the bench will not make Joao Felix happy and maybe it's just a matter of how Simione can convince Joao Felix to overcome the existing problems.

I think it will depend on the money that Barcelona offers to sign Felix. If Barcelona offers a good amount of money, I'm sure Atletico Madrid will consider to sell Felix to Barcelona. They have no good relationship with Felix, they have no reason to keep Felix in their squad a longer time. If they succeed to sell him, Atletico Madrid will get the money to buy new players. Having Felix won't guarantee anything for Barcelona, why Atletico Madrid must feel worried about it? Although Felix can be an obstacle for Atletico Madrid in the future, but it is still our speculation. We don't know if Felix can succeed in Barcelona or not. Too early to claim he feels comfortable in Barcelona.

[asriloni]

It looks like Joao Felix's situation is becoming more complicated in the future and I think this will be a difficult decision for his career. We know that the relationship between Atletico and Joao Felix is not very good and he is only comfortable at Barcelona. But indeed the steps that Barcelona should take to make him permanent will also experience obstacles in terms of costs. It's certainly not easy for Barcelona from their current finances and right now we don't know what the next steps will be. Even being on the bench will not make Joao Felix happy and maybe it's just a matter of how Simione can convince Joao Felix to overcome the existing problems.

I think it will depend on the money that Barcelona offers to sign Felix. If Barcelona offers a good amount of money, I'm sure Atletico Madrid will consider to sell Felix to Barcelona. They have no good relationship with Felix, they have no reason to keep Felix in their squad a longer time. If they succeed to sell him, Atletico Madrid will get the money to buy new players. Having Felix won't guarantee anything for Barcelona, why Atletico Madrid must feel worried about it? Although Felix can be an obstacle for Atletico Madrid in the future, but it is still our speculation. We don't know if Felix can succeed in Barcelona or not. Too early to claim he feels comfortable in Barcelona.

Atletico madrid has been giving the price tag for felix and what's next? barcelona just need to pay the amount that demanded by atletico madrid and everything is clear now. laporta needs to think how to get 100 millions for him. Atletico madrid will not let that guy to leave from the club without 100 millions. So many times we have seen that how much price offered by atletico madrid to get felix. I remember the day when atletico madrid was offering him to the chelsea but due to the his very expensive price. Chelsea unwilling to get him.
I think that barcelona needs to think several times before the club will try to get him to join in the club. Everything is still remain possible right now. Im feeling that if barcelona will exchange some of its players to him.
Felix is a good guy in barcelona. He was playing freely without being restricted.

[bering]

This winter apparently Arsenal will focusing to gets new midfielder player this because Thomas Partey still got injured and Jorginho also most likely will leave Arsenal this January so Arteta want to make new midfielder as Arsenal priority and recently Arsenal was linked to Aston Villa player Douglas Luiz this because they were impress to Luiz performance this season especially after he can able to bringing Aston Villa to performing well in Premier league and actually Aston Villa was agree to release this player but Douglas Luiz price will be very expensive because if Arsenal buy him the price shouldn't be less than 80 millions but Douglas Luiz still hasn't give a statement regarding this rumour but i think if this really happend it could be a good transfer for Arsenal because i have been watching Douglas Luiz performance during this season and his performance was really impressive

[Velvet78]

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is said to be open for offers coming to Casemiro, Sancho and Varane.

I understand the Sancho situation because he can't find middle way with the manager so he is expected to leave as soon as possible. But I don't know whether they really need to part ways with the other two players I said. It is true that both of them don't play like in the past. But they are still qualified players who can improve their performances in time. If they send both of them they had better find really solid alternatives.

[mv1986]

Well, players are going to protest against the coach right now. Because he's not doing a good job at this moment. And honestly, he has nobody to blame for this one. The club has given him enough money and resources. And he made a second Ajax team here in Manchester United.

There was no reason to let de Gea go at all. He was not the problem. And I am very surprised to see how the coach did not understand that. The decisions that he has taken are definitely not popular and also not good for the club. We have seen coaches make unpopular decisions for the best future of the club. But in the case of Manchester United, it is not working out.

It was one of his short-sighted ego actions that gave him pleasure because he was able to demonstrate the power he has over somebody else. Ten Hag is the worst, but when Manchester United doesn't fire him after all those weeks, what are the chances they will fire him now that he won the game against Chelsea? Nobody understands what their agenda is for this club. I know there have been negotiations and I thought that this is why some critical decisions may have been put on ice, but it doesn't seem like a big transaction is coming soon, though ten Hag still has the backing from his bosses.

[Ayers]

Jadon Sancho should have obeyed and apologised openly to the coach; doing so will not cost him anything. Also, he will not sit on the bench for an extended period of time without playing because this will negatively impact his performance on the field. Jadon Sancho is a promising young player, but his career could have gone rough because he refused to apologise, but he is fortunate to still be a young player with more to offer any team that signs him. His move to Juventus will be fantastic, but I doubt Manchester United will want to loan him out; they'd rather sell him than loan him and I hope Juventus will also agree to buy him rather than having him on loan in the team.

What you say is true, if Jadon Sancho thought and acted like that then he would not be alienated by Ten Hag at this time. I think young players need more advice from their seniors or agents, to change their way of thinking for the sake of the sustainability of their careers in the future. However, we never know the details of the conflict other than what we read in the media. It could be that the breakdown in his relationship with Ten Hag as a result of refusing an apology is sometimes only one part, who knows, behind the scenes there are more things we missed.

Previously, several clubs were reported to be interested in recruiting Sancho, including Juventus and Dortmund. However, everything will be proven when the transfer window opens, but here considering the background of the move due to conflict, it is clear that United will not accept the loan offer. It makes sense because they intend to let him go and keep Ten Hag longer, which is why the possibility of a loan is hard to happen.

I wouldn't have had any problem with Sancho doing that if the coach actually brought good results. There are definitely some problems with the tactics that the coaches trying to implement. And that is the reason why some of the players are very unsettled right now. The coach is not being able to bring in good results.

Well, it does not mean that if the coach is not able to bring in good results, the players should not listen to him. But when the coach is so arrogant, and it feels like he is bringing the best results, even though he is not, And the players are also not feeling very good in the environment, the players are allowed to say something.

[Josefjix]

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is said to be open for offers coming to Casemiro, Sancho and Varane.

I understand the Sancho situation because he can't find middle way with the manager so he is expected to leave as soon as possible. But I don't know whether they really need to part ways with the other two players I said. It is true that both of them don't play like in the past. But they are still qualified players who can improve their performances in time. If they send both of them they had better find really solid alternatives.

There options for this club to either fly or stable reluctant in one spot. There are good players that will leave Old Trafford, their absence will be felt in the club and it will likely affects the performance of the Red Devils. That's were Erik Ten Hag steps in, he will ensure that doesn't happen, instead Manchester United will keep striving for good results and practice to become higher in leagues. Jadon Sancho will exits Manchester United door's in the coming January transfer window due to differences he had with the headcoach and have adamantly refused to apologized.

[X-ray]

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is said to be open for offers coming to Casemiro, Sancho and Varane.

I understand the Sancho situation because he can't find middle way with the manager so he is expected to leave as soon as possible. But I don't know whether they really need to part ways with the other two players I said. It is true that both of them don't play like in the past. But they are still qualified players who can improve their performances in time. If they send both of them they had better find really solid alternatives.

Ten hat knows that if he needs to increase his budget. In fact that if glazer may not give lots of money for ten hag to shooping for the winter transfer season. This is the main reason why the club shall sell some players. Manchester unied will be selling a lot of players.
The old players will be under the name to be sold for the young talented players. Manchester untied has been targeting some names and it needs more money to make sure the club can buy some important players.
I can accept this reason why ten hag shall sell some players cuased by it's to increase its budget. Ten hag knows MU shall not need to keep old players.

[Belarge]

Ten hat knows that if he needs to increase his budget. In fact that if glazer may not give lots of money for ten hag to shooping for the winter transfer season. This is the main reason why the club shall sell some players. Manchester unied will be selling a lot of players.
The old players will be under the name to be sold for the young talented players. Manchester untied has been targeting some names and it needs more money to make sure the club can buy some important players.
I can accept this reason why ten hag shall sell some players cuased by it's to increase its budget. Ten hag knows MU shall not need to keep old players.

The Glazers family have no idea of how the club's have been struggling in past decades, gone are those days we will see Manchester united winning major trophies other than settling for their past records as if those players during that period didn't do their best to set things in place and it have boost the present performance of the club till this very date. Erik Ten Hag will sell some of his vital players in upcoming summer because he needs sufficient funds to raise for the purpose to sign more prominent and potential players this season, he has to strengthen his squad because there's absolutely no backup players that can fit into the shoes of primary players in the club.

[klidex]

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is said to be open for offers coming to Casemiro, Sancho and Varane.

I understand the Sancho situation because he can't find middle way with the manager so he is expected to leave as soon as possible. But I don't know whether they really need to part ways with the other two players I said. It is true that both of them don't play like in the past. But they are still qualified players who can improve their performances in time. If they send both of them they had better find really solid alternatives.

These three players are actually still really needed by Manchester United with the club's current performance being inconsistent, especially as they have quite a long experience in football, they are still old enough to play, but unfortunately Erik Ten Hag doesn't trust these three players and is trying to sell them, even though Casemiro and Varane are new. Just joined Manchester United recently, especially Casemiro only joined Manchester United last year after being recruited from Real Madrid.
However, if Manchester United can recruit better players from the sale of these three players then this will not be a wrong step for Manchester United.
Moreover, Casemiro and Varane have been targeted by Saudi Arabian clubs, namely Al Hilal and Al Ittihad, these clubs will definitely buy these players at quite expensive prices and this will be an advantage for the Manchester United club, but I We hope that if Erik Ten Hag recruits new players, don't let this season's mistakes repeat themselves, where Erik Ten Hag actually threw away a lot of important players and recruited players who weren't really needed, resulting in a decline in performance at the start of this season.