I’ve seen many fans and pundits make this claim. Do you think Manchester United players aren’t playing as well as they can in hope to get Ten Hag sacked. I’ve seen this argument used against Rashford as people since he’s got his new contract he’s just content to get his money and play as well.
Though Hoijund has claimed the players all back Ten Hag still https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/nov/09/erik-ten-hag-manchester-united-squad-backing-rasmus-hojlund
No they are just human.
How would it affect your work if the media was constantly saying you were bad at your job. It happens time and time again, footballers are young men and the constant criticism gets to them.
bUt thEy eARn mIlLIOnS! /s