The former Manchester United manager, who was sacked by the Red Devils in October just three months after signing a new two-year deal - has opened up on his experiences handling players in the contemporary game.

Speaking to SEG Stories - which is attached to his own management agency - he 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."

The 55-year-old coach - who won the League Cup and FA Cup during two full seasons at United - had to face a number of issues with players during his time at the club.

After Cristiano Ronaldo's explosive interview with Piers Morgan - during which he said he didn't respect Ten Hag - the legendary footballer's contract was terminated.

Jadon Sancho, who is now on loan at Chelsea, was banished from the first time squad after he accused United's then-manager of making him a "scapegoat".

Ten Hag had been critical of his performance sin training, while he also disciplined Marcus Rashford in 2024 when the former England international missed training after taking an unauthorised trip to Belfast.

Despite those incidents, Ten Hag has been praised for his work with youngsters like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.

He explained: "With this generation you choose different words and a different approach.

"[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."