Former Manchester United defender Gerard Pique has given his view on Erik ten Hag’s status at the club – and believes the Red Devils could do a lot worse than to take some inspiration from Barcelona.
Given how La Blaugrana have operated on and off the pitch in recent years – still battling with the issues caused by years of reckless spending in the transfer market – Barcelona are hardly the first that come to mind when you consider the what the term ‘model club’ means.
But Gerard Pique, who represented both Manchester United and the La Liga champions during a fine career, feels that there is one area where the former can take inspiration from the latter as they look to put a decade of mediocrity behind them.
Barcelona, during a largely underwhelming campaign, have been carried at times upon the still-broadening shoulders of the next generation of La Masia superstars-to-be. 16-year-old Yamine Lamal, 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi and 20-year-old Fermin Lopez have stood out head and shoulders above even the club’s expensively acquired senior pros.
Can Manchester United follow Barcelona’s example
Man United, hit and miss during Erik ten Hag’s second season at the helm, have found themselves in a similar position at times, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund shining as Antony, Casemiro and Anthony Martial stumble.
“It’s been quite a few years that they’ve not been able to win the title,” says Pique, speaking to Sky Sports while hoping to see Ten Hag’s teens follow in the footsteps of Fergie’s fledglings.
“I think that, after Sir Alex left, they lost a little bit their focus and guidance. They didn’t know where to go. Little by little, they are trying to put everything back together in order to compete for titles.
“I still believe Ten Hag is a very good coach. I don’t really know if he will be able to turn things around but the win against Liverpool (in the FA Cup quarter-finals) was incredible.
“It’s the sort of victory that will give them power for the rest of the season. Then, I would say they need to trust more in the people coming through from the academy.”
Gerard Pique gives his backing to Erik ten Hag
Pique will be glad to learn, then, that Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe appears set to build his United revival project upon the foundation of youth. There remains considerable excitement about Carrington’s next generation too, Shea Lacey, Amir Ibragimov, Dan Gore, Benedito Mantato and the Fletcher brothers waiting in the wings.
“It happens when you are suffering as a club,” Pique adds. “It was the same at Barcelona, but you have to trust in the academy players. We saw Sir Alex Ferguson show this with the ‘Class of ’92’ and they have to trust in the next generation in the same way.
“In the last few years, (Man United) spent a lot of money, and it hasn’t worked out. So why not try to give the new, young generation the chance to at least try and perform.”
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