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Paul Merson has insisted Erik ten Hag deserves a knighthood if he can lead Man United to victory against Man City in the FA Cup final later this month.
The Dutchman has been under increasing pressure at Old Trafford in recent weeks after United’s defeat to Arsenal on Sunday left United three points behind a European spot with two games remaining.
However, the only saving grace for Ten Hag in his second season at the club was his team’s performance in the FA Cup.
In March, his side completed a dramatic injury-time battle against Liverpool to secure a place in the semi-finals before sending Championship Coventry to penalties.
Their biggest test awaits them on the 25th, when they take on their rowdy neighbors in an attempt to avenge their defeat in last season’s final.
Paul Merson claimed Erik ten Hag deserves to be knighted if he can guide Man United to FA Cup glory
The Red Devils suffered their fourteenth defeat of the season in the competition against Arsenal on Sunday
Pep Guardiola’s side have been at their conquer-all best of late and Merson insisted United may need some sort of divine intervention to emerge victorious at Wembley.
‘I mean, if they beat Man City in the FA Cup final, looking at the last few results, looking at Palace, he should be knighted.’ Merson told Sky Sports.
‘He should be knighted. I am not exaggerating. He should be knighted because that would be a miracle. It would be a miracle if they beat Man City.”
United currently sit eighth in the table, putting the club on course for their worst ever finish in the top flight in the Premier League era.
Speaking about the current situation at United, the former Arsenal star insisted he never imagined the club would go through such difficulties, both on and off the pitch.
“I never thought I would see this in my lifetime.” He continued.
Merson warned that Ten Hag’s team will need a miracle to stop Man City at Wembley
There has never been a negative goal difference for Manchester United [at the end of a Premier League season] but even eighth.
“I mean, eighth in the league… It’s still like sitting here today, the biggest club in the world in my opinion. You know, still one of the biggest clubs in the world.’