Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly been ‘raising eyebrows in the dressing room’ after issuing defiant messages to his players. The Dutchman is under increasing pressure to save his job after the Red Devils suffered a dramatic 4-3 loss to Chelsea on Thursday. Insiders believe Ten Hag is trying to create a siege mentality and has warned his players not to listen to the critics.
The 54-year-old has also insisted that there is nothing wrong with his methods as he looks to turn the tide. According to the Mirror, some players are unconvinced with the current approach. Ten Hag believes his team’s woes are down to an injury crisis, which was made worse when Rafael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Jonny Evans all picked up new problems against Chelsea.
The United boss fully believes he can rescue the season and snatch a late Champions League place. But if the Red Devils continue to slip down the table, Sir Jim Ratcliffe may be forced to swing the axe this summer. Ten Hag’s task gets no easier on Sunday as Premier League leaders Liverpool come to Old Trafford.
United won the FA Cup clash between the two sides last month thanks to a 120th-minute Amad Diallo strike. And Ten Hag is hoping for a repeat performance. Gareth Southgate has emerged as United’s number one target to replace Ten Hag if he is relieved of his duties at the end of the season.
However, Ratcliffe and co may find it difficult to prise the England manager away from his international position.