The Dutchman has been criticised for his side’s style of play (Picture: Getty)

Erik ten Hag has again defended Manchester United?s style of play and explained why he has not been able to replicate ?the Ajax way? at Old Trafford.

When the Dutchman was first brought in nearly two years ago, he was expected to overhaul the counter-attacking, transitional football played by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ? and which continued under interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

Ajax are known for playing a more methodical, possession-based style rooted in the Total Football of Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff, a style which has heavily influenced Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

United had already had a taste of it under Louis van Gaal, who quickly transformed the team from a counter-attacking side to one that looked to dominate the ball, going from an average of 42 per cent possession in the season before he joined (which ranked ninth in the Premier League) to 58.8% in his first campaign (which ranked first).
But this season, United?s matches have been open, end-to-end affairs and the side have had little control, with their 50.4% possession ranking them 10th in a division that has otherwise shifted dramatically towards playing with greater dominance of the ball.

In an exhaustive interview with Gary Neville on Sky Sports, Ten Hag has now opened up on why he decided against trying to play an Ajax-like brand of football and says it is largely down to the players he had at his disposal ? and the...