Concerns are mounting for Erik ten Hag as he prepares to face a critical juncture at Manchester United, according to Gary Neville.
Sunday’s defeat in the Manchester derby marked United’s 11th loss in the Premier League this season, leaving Ten Hag’s team trailing fourth-placed Aston Villa by 11 points and fifth-placed Tottenham by six, with Spurs having a match in hand.
With an early exit from the Champions League and a lackluster performance in defending the Carabao Cup title, United’s only hope for redemption lies in winning the FA Cup. Their quarter-final clash against rivals Liverpool awaits.
Neville: Ten Hag facing ‘massive month’ at Man Utd
In an interview with Sky Sports, Neville expressed his concerns that his former club has regressed since the previous season, which could lead to doubts about Ten Hag’s suitability for the job from INEOS group, the new co-owners led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
“Last season was quite successful, with trophy wins, reaching the Champions League, and making it to an FA Cup final. There were many positives that laid a strong foundation for Erik ten Hag,” Neville commented.
“This season, however, one wouldn’t expect United to win the league, but being in sixth place and so far off from the leaders is problematic. They have suffered 11 defeats in the league and their performances lack consistency. Is this just a typical second season slump? Does he need a third season to get it right?” Neville questioned.
He further posed the challenge faced by Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS: “Where are we in this journey? Are we heading in the right direction?”
United had built momentum by winning four consecutive Premier League games but stumbled with a 2-1 defeat against Fulham at Old Trafford last weekend, halting their progress towards European qualification.
Following fixtures against Everton and Brentford, with an FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool sandwiched in between, Ten Hag’s side faces Chelsea away before hosting Jurgen Klopp’s team once again on April 7th, broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Neville emphasized the significance of this period for Ten Hag and his players: “The loss to Fulham last week was more detrimental than the defeat against City. The latter was expected to end unfavorably. Villa will face Spurs next week, potentially leading to dropped points for one or both teams.”
“United can narrow the gap, and I believe there is still a long way to go. After the March international break, the run-in will see Villa and Spurs facing challenges. There is still hope for United,” Neville added cautiously.
Nevertheless, he expressed concern over United’s inconsistency: “The defeat to Fulham last week dealt a significant blow. The moment of truth is now upon us.”
Neville drew comparisons with previous managers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and David Moyes who faced back-to-back games against City and Liverpool respectively. Similarly, Ten Hag will be judged based on his performance against City followed by two encounters with Liverpool in the coming month.
INEOS is unlikely to wait until the end of the season to make a decision regarding Ten Hag’s future, Neville predicted. He emphasized that this month is crucial for both players and their manager: “I am worried. The team’s performance level needs improvement. They must demonstrate consistent coordination that reflects their unity.”
Upcoming fixtures for Manchester United include a Premier League meeting with Everton on 9th March at Old Trafford followed by an FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool on 17th March. Subsequently, they face Brentford away on 30th March and Chelsea away on 4th April. The fixture list culminates with another clash against Liverpool at home on 7th April before facing Bournemouth away on 14th April.
Man Utd’s next six fixtures – Ten Hag’s ‘moment of truth’?
March 9: Everton (H) – Premier League, kick-off 12.30pm
March 17: Liverpool (H) – FA Cup quarter-final, kick-off 3.30pm
March 30: Brentford (A) – Premier League, kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports
April 4: Chelsea (A) – Premier League, kick-off 8.15pm
April 7: Liverpool (H) – Premier League, kick-off 3.30pm, live on Sky Sports
April 14: Bournemouth (A) – Premier League, kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports
