Erik ten Hag told he can't continue as Man Utd manager if they lose this weekend (original) (raw)
Erik ten Hag told position as Man Utd manager will be 'untenable' if beaten at Southampton
Erik ten Hag is under huge pressure after Man Utd suffered back-to-back defeats, with former United striker Louis Saha claiming his position will be untenable with a third straight loss on Saturday
Ten Hag is facing questions over his future just three games into the new season
Louis Saha reckons Erik ten Hag's position as Manchester United boss will be “untenable” if his side lose to Southampton on Saturday.
United are down in 14th place in the Premier League table, after back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Liverpool, which has piled the pressure on Ten Hag.
Asked if Ten Hag's position would be untenable if United slump to a third successive defeat, former Red Devils striker Saha said: “I think so. Against Liverpool, the issue was the performance rather than just the result, so Erik’s under pressure because the team isn’t playing well.
“There were no signs during the game that things were going to be fixed. On Saturday, if Southampton are able to dominate against Manchester United in the same way that Liverpool dominated last week, then the situation would be untenable for Ten Hag.
“You need to find different ways to beat the best sides and that’s something that every manager needs to do, but at the same time your philosophy really has to always be in line with a foundation that the players can really understand, know what the manager is asking of them and know what the needs are during the game.”
Saha admitted the speed with which new Liverpool boss Arne Slot has adapted to the Premier League and ensured a seamless transition from Jurgen Klopp, with three wins from three, has put even more pressure on Ten Hag, who is now in his third season in charge at United.
Ex-United striker Saha said Slot's ability to tactically outwit Ten Hag in Liverpool's comfortable 3-0 win at Old Trafford before the international break exposed the United manager's lack of a game-plan, with his side lacking a clear identity and philosophy.
Former United striker Saha reckons Ten Hag will have to go if his side lose at Southampton this weekend (
Image:
Getty Images)
“There’s a lot of people in punditry and the media, as well as the fans, who are seeing things that they can’t understand when they watch Manchester United at the moment,” said Saha, speaking to Betfred.
“We saw Arne Slot and Liverpool destroy the tactics of Ten Hag in their last game. At this moment, it’s not about personalities, it’s about seeing a plan that the players can identify with and cause damage with.
“Sometimes we see players play as individuals or not being able to respond correctly, but at the moment, the problem is the game-plan. Currently, we can’t identify a clear game plan and that’s why Erik’s being criticised. Things need to improve.”
United are unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League away games against Southampton, with seven wins and five draws, since a 1-0 defeat in August 2003.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.