Jamie Carragher has been largely critical of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag in the past year, arguing that the Dutchman has largely failed to improve the Red Devils.
The Liverpool legend hasn't been the only person scrutinising Ten Hag, however, with Manchester United executive holding an official meeting to discuss a number of matters at the club - including the manager's future.
Heavy 3-0 defeats to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at home have increased the pressure on Ten Hag, though he looks set to last the October international break as he attempts to put more of his authority onto the team. Prior to that meeting on Tuesday, though, Carragher surprisingly came to Ten Hag's defence.
Jamie Carragher is sympathetic to Erik ten Hag's situation at Manchester United
"I think he'll find it tough to come out as manager after the next international break," Carragher said, "but if the results turn, of course he will [still be manager until November at least]. "With Manchester United, it’s not just about the results, it’s about the performances. A lot of times when they get results, it feels fortunate. Last season, it felt like Scott McTominay got so many last minute goals for them.”
“Sooner or later, if the performances don’t improve, they can’t get sustained results. They might get a result here and there, that’s football, that’s why we love the game: unexpected things can happen. The start of this season hasn’t been too different in terms of performances and actually seeing the same things as last season.
“I think it’ll be tough for him but I have sympathy for him because I thinks he’s been hung out to dry a little bit on the back of what happened in the summer with the ownership speaking to other managers. No manager, or anyone in employment, would want his bosses publicly speaking to lots of different people within the game so it’s going to be a tough one to see out the season.”
Plenty of managers have been linked with replacing Ten Hag at Manchester United in recent weeks, with out-of-work trio Thomas Tuchel, Max Allegri and Xavi all suggested to be in line for the job. Ten Hag's assistant and Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy could also step up into the hotseat in the dugout.
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Results will simply have to improve for those potential scenarios not to become a reality. Manchester United are currently 14th in the Premier League after seven games, having picked up just eight points. Two draws in the Europa League is also a concern, too.
In FourFourTwo's view, Carragher's comments are certainly justified in believing that Ten Hag has been hung out to dry, with him staying as manager in the summer a strange decision after exploring other options. The Dutchman does have to take responsibility for the team's poor performances, though, especially now his future is in the balance.
