Man United legend reveals why Erik Ten Hag is ‘not good enough’ for Old Trafford job – as former Red Devils striker predicts manager will be sacked by Christmas

  • Dutchman kept job after FA Cup win last season despite eighth place
  • However, two defeats in the first three games have revived calls for his departure
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Manchester United legend Teddy Sheringham has revealed why Erik Ten Hag is ‘not good enough’ to keep his job at Old Trafford and predicts the Dutchman will be sacked before Christmas.

The former Ajax manager joined the Red Devils in 2022 and has had a number of tough seasons, finishing eighth last season with just 60 points.

He was called upon to leave at the end of the season, but a 2–1 victory over rivals Man City in the FA Cup final proved enough to keep his job.

After spending £180million in the summer transfer window, fans hoped Ten Hag could turn things around. But crushing defeats to Brighton and Liverpool in the opening three games have reignited calls for his departure.

One of the dissenting voices is former striker Sheringham who said Ladbrokes that the 54-year-old is ‘not good enough’ to lead a club of United’s calibre.

Man United legend Teddy Sheringham has revealed why Erik Ten Hag is ‘not good enough’

The former striker predicted the Dutchman would be sacked before Christmas

The former striker predicted the Dutchman would be sacked before Christmas

Liverpool recorded a convincing win over United thanks to a double goal from Luis Diaz

Liverpool recorded a convincing win over United thanks to a double goal from Luis Diaz

He said, ‘If you finish eighth in the Premier League, that’s clearly not good enough for Man United. Full stop. End of story, for me. You’ve got to change what’s happening.

‘If you look at the inconsistency of last season, and what followed, without a doubt in the first three games of this season… you see there has been no change at all.

‘Other players, maybe. But still no change in the philosophy and the way Erik ten Hag wants to play. Look, I don’t want people to be sacked. It’s not nice to say people shouldn’t be in certain positions, but he shouldn’t be there. It’s not good enough for Man United.

‘Do I think the manager will still be there at the end of the season? No, I don’t think so. I think he’ll be gone before Christmas.’

The harsh assessment follows a humiliating Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford, where Arne Slot’s Liverpool beat United 3-0.

The Reds won convincingly thanks to a first-half double from Luis Diaz, with Mo Salah securing the win after the break.

After defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, United have now lost two of their opening three games and are 14th in the table.

Things could improve if their new midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who was shown on the pitch before this game, is available to play. He costs £50m.

But Ten Hag wants change immediately after this week’s international break, as pressure on his position as coach of the Old Trafford club increases.

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After defeats to Brighton and Liverpool, United have now lost two of their first three games

After defeats to Brighton and Liverpool, United have now lost two of their first three games

Sheringham, pictured with David Beckham (right), won an iconic treble with United in 1999

Sheringham, pictured with David Beckham (right), won an iconic treble with United in 1999

Things could improve if new £50million midfielder Manuel Ugarte is available to play

Things could improve if new £50million midfielder Manuel Ugarte is available to play

When Alejandro Garnacho (right) was substituted midway through the half, his withdrawal was greeted with a chorus of boos.

When Alejandro Garnacho (right) was substituted midway through the half, his withdrawal was greeted with a chorus of boos.

Despite Joshua Zirkzee and others coming close in the second half, the atmosphere in the stadium changed and Liverpool took giant strides to victory.

When Alejandro Garnacho was substituted midway through the first half, his outburst was met with a flurry of boos.

Ten Hag will notice that the fans, including Sheringham who won an iconic treble with United in 1999, have little patience left as the Red Devils look set for another painful season.