Erik ten Hag sent strong warning ahead of Southampton clash
Manchester United will look to bounce back to winning ways following their disappointing defeat to Liverpool
Louis Saha believes Erik ten Hag’s position as Manchester United manager could become “untenable” if the team suffers another defeat, this time against Southampton on Saturday.
Currently, United are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League table following consecutive losses to Brighton and Liverpool.
These setbacks have intensified the pressure on Erik Ten Hag.
When asked if Ten Hag’s position would become untenable with a third successive defeat, former Red Devils striker Saha responded: “I think so.
‘Against Liverpool, the issue was the performance rather than just the result, so Erik’s under pressure because the team isn’t playing well.
“There were no signs during the game that things were going to be fixed.
“On Saturday, if Southampton are able to dominate against Manchester United in the same way that Liverpool dominated last week, then the situation would be untenable for Ten Hag.
“You need to find different ways to beat the best sides and that’s something that every manager needs to do, but at the same time your philosophy really has to always be in line with a foundation that the players can really understand, know what the manager is asking of them and know what the needs are during the game.”
Saha acknowledged the impressive speed with which new Liverpool manager Arne Slot has adapted to the Premier League, ensuring a smooth transition from Jurgen Klopp.
Slot has led Liverpool to three consecutive wins, putting additional pressure on Erik ten Hag, who is now in his third season with Manchester United.
Former United striker Saha highlighted that Slot’s tactical superiority in Liverpool’s convincing 3-0 victory over United at Old Trafford before the international break exposed Ten Hag’s shortcomings.
According to Saha, Ten Hag’s side struggled with a lack of a clear game plan and identity, revealing a need for a more defined philosophy.
“There’s a lot of people in punditry and the media, as well as the fans, who are seeing things that they can’t understand when they watch Manchester United at the moment,” said Saha, speaking to Betfred.
“We saw Arne Slot and Liverpool destroy the tactics of Ten Hag in their last game.
“At this moment, it’s not about personalities, it’s about seeing a plan that the players can identify with and cause damage with.
“Sometimes we see players play as individuals or not being able to respond correctly, but at the moment, the problem is the game-plan.
“Currently, we can’t identify a clear game plan and that’s why Erik’s being criticised.
“Things need to improve.”
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