Erik ten Hag risks Man Utd sack in just three games and is ‘very lucky’ to still have job, warns club legend
MANCHESTER UNITED legend Dwight Yorke has claimed Erik ten Hag could be sacked in just THREE GAMES time.
The Red Devils kicked off their Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win over Fulham at Old Trafford.
They go to Brighton on Saturday lunchtime, before hosting Liverpool in their final match before the international break.
Upon returning from the two-week hiatus they then head to Southampton.
Ten Hag looked set to be sacked prior to last season’s FA Cup final.
But Man Utd then claimed a 2-1 win over Manchester City at Wembley to save their campaign after placing a record low of eighth in the Premier League table.
New Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe still held talks with ex-Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel as they reviewed Ten Hag’s position.
But the club ultimately decided to stick with the former Ajax man.
However, Yorke, who was a part of Man Utd’s 1999 Treble-winning side, still feels losing their upcoming trio of fixtures could cost Ten Hag his job.
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Speaking to CSGOluck, he said: “Erik ten Hag is a very lucky man to still be the manager of Manchester United. The FA Cup saved his job because what we saw in the Premier League definitely wasn’t enough to get a new contract.
“United were talking to other people so they clearly weren’t totally happy. He now needs to find a style of play that will conjure up results.
“The Ajax way doesn’t work in the Premier League so he needs to give that idea up quickly.
“There are a few exceptions like Ruud van Nistelrooy and Japp Stam but players from that league haven’t done very well in England either.
“It’s all well and good wanting to play that way but not at Manchester United who have had their own style, he has to be very careful in finding that balance because United have their own traditions.”
He continued: “If Erik ten Hag loses three or four games early in the season, he will be under serious pressure, especially if the other big teams all pull away to leave Manchester United sitting in mid-table.
“The biggest issue for Ten Hag, which could end up costing him his job, is losing to the teams that aren’t Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham.
“If they lose to Brighton and Southampton, which is after Liverpool, Ten Hag will have a serious problem.
“There is no way of trying to butter it up and be nice about it.
“Beat the teams around you and things will be fine, if you lose those then that’s what will cost Ten Hag his job.”
Saved from the sack
Explaining the decision to stick with Ten Hag, Ratcliffe told The Times earlier this month: “We’ve got some very good people and some fresh faces. You can’t put your head in the sand, you have to face facts.
“It needed a fresh start, so that’s what we’ve done.
“Erik is a good guy and had been doing his best, but doing too much.
“He was trying to sort out the squad and fix leaks in the roof at the same time.”
What we know about the 'new' Old Trafford
MANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.
The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.
The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.
A capacity of 100,000 is expected.
It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.
The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.
United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.
They plan to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a second venue.
They will scale it down to a 30,000-seater that can then be used for the women’s team and academy matches.
That would mean the history remains with statues and the Munich clock and memorial plaque all most likely staying in their current positions.
The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.
Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.
The target is for completion by 2030.
Ten Hag, whose contract has been extended until 2026, also spoke defiantly after it was confirmed he would be staying.
He said: “So many people advised negatively when I started in this club. And I could have gone into projects with much better conditions, with much better structures but I choose this: Man United.
“I feel this is my club. And I want to go for this challenge although I knew this will be very tough, very hard.
“But you only know when you are in and there are some challenges here. But already, we overcame many obstacles and we have to beat even more but, and I said it also in the spring, I feel we are in the right direction.
“And even in the summer I think many positives happened that we can accelerate this process.”
Man Utd ratings vs Fulham as new boys shine... but Mount and Amad struggle
DEBUTANT Joshua Zirkzee was the hero for Manchester United in an evening where their new guns showed what they are all about.
The Dutchman had to remain patient for his opportunity but he took it brilliantly once he came on the pitch.
Zirkzee came on for Mason Mount on the hour mark and had been quiet up until his pivotal moment.
Ten Hag will take positives from the display and it was his astute sub which led to the winner as his side got their season off to a flyer.
Here is how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the Red Devils display…
Andre Onana – 6
Made an outstanding early tip over from Kenny Tete and was rarely seriously troubled beyond that.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
A pretty impressive debut from the Moroccan. Looks assured on the ball, gets forward in support and can put a foot in.
Harry Maguire – 7
Dominant and commanding in defence, but embarrassingly booked for diving at the other end. Really Harry, even you?
Lisandro Martinez – 6
Skinned by Adama Traore early. Showed all his defensive guile in how he handled him after that, and got back superbly to deny a breakaway goal.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Had his hands full dealing with Traore’s pace, but knocked in a couple of wicked curling crosses at the other end.
Casemiro – 7
Headed over then shot over, but two great passes put Fernandes clean through. Often looked United’s most likely source of a goal.
Kobbie Mainoo – 8
So crisp, so tidy, so rarely wastes a pass. Another near-flawless, if not exactly flair-packed, display from the youngster. Fizzed a shot just wide, too.
Mason Mount – 5
So desperate to do well, which earned him an early booking. Only Leno’s legs denied him the goal his effort deserved.
Amad Diallo – 5
Made one marvellous mazy run into the box, although the tumble to ground that followed wasn’t so impressive.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Still nowhere near the star of two years ago, but another step in the right direction at least. Some way to get yet, though.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Fluffed two great chances, driving at keeper Leno’s legs twice when Casemiro put him through, but sprayed passes around and started the move for the winner.
Subs
Alejandro Garnacho (for Diallo, 60mins) – 6
Put a spark in United when he came off the bench and teed up the winner.
Joshua Zirkzee (for Mount, 60 mins) – 7
The debut he dreamed of. Barely had a touch, but then fed the ball wide and stuck out his left foot to jab the winner.
Matthijs de Ligt – (for Mazraoui, 81 mins) – 5
Was only on for the last ten minutes and looked solid although he did not have too much to do
Jonny Evans (for Maguire, 81 mins) – 5
Scott McTominay (for Mainoo, 84 mins) – 5