Manchester United have no divine right to challenge for titles, claims Phil Neville – who says Eric ten Hag’s team are ‘a million, million miles’ behind rivals but does NOT think the coach will be fired after Bournemouth loss

Phil Neville made the move to Manchester United after their season hit a new low with the 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford, but he does not think Eric ten Hag will be sacked anytime soon.

United were played off their home field by Bournemouth, who cruised to an impressive victory thanks to goals from Dominic Solanke, Philip Billing and Marcos Senesi.

It clipped United's wings after an impressive win against Chelsea in midweek and puts Ten Hag back under pressure, but Phil Neville believes he will remain as United coach for the time being.

“I don't think he will be fired,” Marcel told NBC Sports after Saturday's result. “I think what I saw today is the same as what I've seen all season. Three crosses, three goals, the level of performance was nowhere near good enough.

'Newcastle and Bournemouth's performances are probably closer to what we've seen all season than Chelsea's performances, which were good in midweek. It's probably a highlight because it hasn't happened that much.

Phil Neville made a move to Manchester United after the shock defeat at Bournemouth

United lost 3-0 at Old Trafford and next they play Bayern Munich and Liverpool

'I have the feeling that these players have to take responsibility and perform better. You look at today's goals, three goals from three crosses, simply not acceptable.

'I think we have to put it out of our minds that United have the divine right to challenge for league titles. Look at Newcastle and Aston Villa, they have overtaken United.

'Look at Tottenham, they have overtaken United. You haven't even mentioned Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool, who have already had an advantage over United over the past decade.

“They are a million, million miles away from the level they need to compete. Where they are right now is exactly where they should be in terms of performance and quality levels.”

However, things are not getting any easier for Ten Hag and United.

They host Bayern Munich in midweek knowing their Champions League status is at stake, even though the German heavyweights lost 5-1 in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

When they return to the Premier League on Sunday, they will travel to Anfield to play fierce rivals Liverpool, the current Premier League leaders.

Captain Bruno Fernandes will miss that game due to suspension.