Erik ten Hag’s Time Running Out at Manchester United, Ex-Players Opine

Following Manchester United‘s crushing 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Monday, former players have weighed in, suggesting that Erik ten Hag’s tenure at the club may be nearing its end, with slim chances of being granted another season in charge.

The loss marked United’s record 13th league defeat of the season, leaving them languishing in eighth place and facing the grim prospect of missing out on European football next season. Their defensive frailties have been glaring, conceding a staggering 81 goals across all competitions, marking their worst defensive record since the 1976-77 campaign.

Paul Scholes, a former United midfielder, expressed his disappointment, noting a lack of tactical acumen and effort from the team. Scholes speculated that while there may have been initial hopes for Ten Hag to receive another year and potentially work under a more stable environment with new ownership, the recent performances have eroded such optimism, signaling that the manager’s time may be running out.

Real-time Football scores and highlights.

Michael Owen, who donned the United jersey from 2009 to 2012, echoed Scholes’ sentiments, urging the club’s board to take decisive action and relieve Ten Hag of his duties before the end of the season. Despite an upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City, Owen emphasized that Ten Hag’s continued leadership is untenable and suggested that radical changes might be necessary for the club’s future success.

With just three league games remaining, including fixtures against league leaders Arsenal and sixth-placed Newcastle, as well as a season-ending clash with Brighton, former United defender Ashley Young expressed concern about the team’s prospects. Young characterized the defensive display against Crystal Palace as “shambolic,” raising doubts about United’s ability to secure positive results in their remaining matches.

The sentiment among former players reflects a growing consensus that Ten Hag’s position at United has become untenable, exacerbated by the team’s underwhelming performances and defensive vulnerabilities. As the season draws to a close, the club finds itself at a critical juncture, with decisions regarding managerial stability and future direction looming large.