Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is facing intense pressure after his team’s embarrassing 3-0 defeat to rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The loss, which came just three games into the new Premier League season, marked United’s second straight defeat. Consequently, it has left many questioning Ten Hag’s future at the club.
Premier League legend Alan Shearer believes Ten Hag has a limited time to turn things around, stating that
United’s results will have to improve massively for Ten Hag to still be at the club at Christmas.
Alan Shearer
Shearer suggests that the next two matches will be crucial for the Dutchman, and if there is no massive improvement, it will be really difficult for him to keep his job.
Erik ten Hag nearly faced dismissal last season due to a poor run of results, but Manchester United rewarded him with a new contract that extends his tenure until 2026 this summer.
However, with United’s dismal start to the campaign, that contract extension is already under scrutiny.
The club brought in the former Ajax boss to revive United’s fortunes, but so far, he has not resolved the same old problems that have plagued the club in recent years.
Against Liverpool, United were overrun in midfield, lacked threat up front, and struggled with their full-backs.
These issues have persisted despite changes in personnel, and Ten Hag has yet to find a solution.
Casemiro, United’s big-money signing from Real Madrid last summer, had a disastrous first half against Liverpool, making two costly errors that led to Luis Díaz’s goals.
The Brazilian’s performance has led to questions about his ability to adapt to the Premier League.
Ten Hag’s substitutions during the game have also come under scrutiny. Particularly with the decision to withdraw the impressive Alejandro Garnacho while leaving the out-of-form Marcus Rashford on for the full 90 minutes.
Despite the pressure mounting on Ten Hag, Manchester United’s football leadership team, including sporting director Dan Ashworth and CEO Omar Berrada, have given the manager their full backing.
They believe Ten Hag is a top manager who now has the structure and expertise in place to properly support him.
