Erik ten Hag has just TWO GAMES to save his job, claims Alan Shearer, as he responds to Man United boss calling his analysis ‘stupid’
Erik ten Hag has just two games left to save his job at Manchester United after the club struggled at the start of the season, according to Premier League legend Alan Shearer.
The Dutchman’s side suffered a crushing 3-0 home defeat to rivals Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, leaving them in 14th place after their opening three games.
Ten Hag’s United have been criticised for their performances so far this season, having spent over £200m on new players last summer, including Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte and Matthijs De Ligt.
Premier League legend Shearer has spoken out on the matter, stressing that the next two games will be crucial for Ten Hag’s future at the club.
Speaking with Betfairhe said: ‘Man United’s results will have to improve dramatically if Ten Hag is to be at the club by Christmas. Much will depend on their next two results.
Erik ten Hag has just two games left to save his Man United career, according to Alan Shearer
Ten Hag’s United team suffered a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday
United have managed just one win from their opening three games and are now 14th in the table.
‘After the loss to Brighton and the way we lost to Liverpool, it will be very, very difficult for him if the team doesn’t show a huge improvement in the next game or two because the noise will only get louder.’
United suffered a 2-1 defeat at Brighton – after a late winner from Joao Pedro – before a disappointing game against Liverpool.
After the international break, United travel to St Mary’s for a league clash with Southampton, who are yet to pick up a single point in the league.
Just three days later, they host Barnsley in the third round of the League Cup – which Ten Hag will be aiming to win for a second time. Their next Premier League game is away at Crystal Palace the following Saturday.
Last week, BBC analyst Shearer hit out at Rashford on Match of the Day after he was substituted in United’s defeat at Brighton. Ten Hag responded by calling the analysis ‘stupid’.
Former England striker Shearer described the number of times Rashford was caught offside at the Amex Stadium as “staggering” and criticised his lack of goal threat.
Shearer stressed that the Red Devils must make a ‘massive improvement’ in their upcoming matches
Ten Hag and Shearer clashed last week over the form of Man United striker Marcus Rashford
The United manager hit back at Shearer, calling his criticism of the 26-year-old ‘stupid’
“He’s played two games against Marcus Rashford this season and he hasn’t had a single chance on target,” Shearer said.
‘Based on today’s results and the game against Fulham, the game in front of goal was not good enough.’
Ten Hag came to Rashford’s defence when asked about Shearer’s comments ahead of United’s match against Liverpool.
“If I take a player off, the conclusion is that I was not happy with him,” Ten Hag said. “That can sometimes be the case, but in this case it was absolutely not the case. Stupid analysis by the pundit.
‘I was very happy with Rashy in pre-season and against Fulham, also against Brighton. The reason I took him out is not because his performances or level were not good. No. We had to rotate and we also have good players on the bench.’
Shearer also indicated that the Red Devils need to improve their attacking play.
He said: ‘Man United just sold Jadon Sancho to Chelsea and he’s clearly not played a role for a while. They have other options in Amad Diallo and Garnacho.
After the international break, United travel to Southampton for a Premier League clash
‘They have Antony there too, who they spent a huge fortune on, but he has never kicked a ball for Man United; so far he has let us down.
‘There is no doubt that there is talent with Marcus, it brings it out of him and that has not been the case for a while. Man Utd need to look at how they can improve the attacking positions though.
‘They bought Zirkzee. I know Hojlund is injured, but based on the results I’ve seen in the three games this season, nothing has changed in the attacking positions or in midfield.
‘They’ve signed Ugarte for a big sum of money now and he’s clearly signed for a specific reason, but it’s a big task for him and Hojlund to step up and deliver the improvement that Man United need on the pitch.’