Jamie Carragher warns Erik ten Hag ahead of Liverpool tie
Manchester United host Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday
Jamie Carragher believes Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is navigating a precarious situation similar to the one faced by former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.
The two rivals will clash at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon as Arne Slot faces his most significant challenge to date.
Liverpool head into the match buoyed by back-to-back victories, while United are under scrutiny following a defeat to Brighton last weekend.
Ten Hag’s position remains uncertain, but his games against Liverpool have often come at crucial moments for him to make a statement.
Last season, in a similar situation, United secured a 2-1 victory and managed a goalless draw at Anfield before triumphing in the FA Cup, despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds.
Slot has the opportunity to make a strong impression with a victory, not just for his own credentials but also to win over the fans.
Beating Manchester United would be a significant achievement that would quickly endear him to the dedicated fanbase.
In his column for The Telegraph, Carragher highlighted the gravity of the situation and compared the under-pressure United boss to Rodgers, who was dismissed after facing a similar level of scrutiny.
“United’s vote of confidence in Ten Hag reminded me of the outcome of the Liverpool boardroom’s review of Brendan Rodgers’ tenure nine years ago.” he wrote.
“For Rodgers, it proved a stay of execution.
“He could not survive the next poor sequence of results as those pushing for change felt it was a matter of when, not if, he was replaced as soon as the ideal candidate became available – as Jurgen Klopp did during the international break in October 2015.
“Ten Hag is in danger of entering the same territory, despite being given a new contract.
“If results and performances do not get better, criticism instantly resurfaces.
“Heading into a third season, it is not feasible for Ten Hag to still sound like a manager at the start of a rebuilding process.”
Read more: Arne Slot not expecting Liverpool to complete any more transfers on deadline day
Why Federico Chiesa will miss Manchester United clash on Sunday
Why Liverpool turned down Nottingham Forest offer for goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher
