Erik ten Hag has had ‘final nail in the coffin’ delivered at Man Utd, says Paul Scholes

United suffered their latest humiliation, a 4-0 loss to Crystal Palace, and boss Ten Hag’s days appear to be numbered

Aadi Nair
Tuesday 07 May 2024 08:44 BST
Comments
Man United boss Ten Hag vows to fight on as he rues ‘worst defeat’ against Crystal Palace

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Erik ten Hag has run out of time at Manchester United and is unlikely to be given another year at the helm, former United players said in the wake of a 4-0 Premier League loss at Crystal Palace.

United’s record 13th league defeat of the campaign left them eighth and facing the prospect of having no European football next season. They have conceded 81 goals in all competitions, their worst showing since the 1976-77 season.

“Tonight felt like the final nail in the coffin,” ex-United midfielder Paul Scholes told Premier League Productions.

“There was a lack of know-how from the team, a lack of effort which is the big disappointing thing.

“I’ve felt he might get another year and work for a club that has calmed down a little bit by the new owners but it just doesn’t feel like it now. It’s quite plain to see it feels like borrowed time.”

Michael Owen, who played for United from 2009-12, said the club’s board should cut their losses and sack Ten Hag before the end of the season, with an FA Cup final against Manchester City still to play for.

“He cannot, simply cannot, manage the team next season,” Owen said. “I just wonder, there’s just so much at stake, even if it’s only for four games, I wonder whether the board might just have to try to do something here and now and be quite radical about it.”

Erik ten Hag appears to be on his last legs as Man United manager
Erik ten Hag appears to be on his last legs as Man United manager (PA Wire)

United have three league games left, hosting leaders Arsenal and sixth-placed Newcastle United in their next two matches before winding up the campaign at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Ex-United defender Ashley Young said the club might fail to win any of their remaining games.

“It’s shambolic, everything about United’s defending was crazy,” he told Sky Sports. “If United put on displays like they have shown tonight, they will miss out.”

Reuters

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in