Pundit believes Manchester United's off-field struggles in key area is making things harder for manager Erik ten Hag
Former Liverpool striker Dean Sanders reckons Manchester United's stuggles to offload players has put manager Erik ten Hag in a tight spot. The Dutchman assumed charge at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022.
Although the Dutchman led the club to a third-placed finish in his first season in charge, United endured their lowest league finish of eighth in the Premier League era last campaign.
Ten Hag was apparently close to being ousted before upsetting holders Manchester City to win the FA Cup, which seemingly saved his job as the Red Devils qualified for Europe after a largely forgettable season.
While the club have made new signings - brining in centre-back Leny Yoro and striker Joshua Zirkzee - more incomings might only be possible if there are player sales. Sanders provided his take on the situation (talkSPORT via HITC):
“Because they are earning so much money, it becomes even more difficult to find those clubs."
"And now we see Harry Maguire, who I think, could have gone to five different clubs and Luke Shaw is playing centre-half instead of him. I feel sorry for Ten Hag who has had to deal with a lot of issues, whether it’s with Rashford or Sancho, and I don’t think his job has been made any easier.”
United saw off Mason Greenwood to Marseille, while Casemiro, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof face uncertain futures ahead of the new season.
How Manchester United have fared in their 2024-25 pre-season?
Manchester United commenced their 2024-25 pre-season with a narrow 1-0 loss to Rosenborg in Norway on July 15, with Noah Emmanuel Jean Holm netting the winner in the third minute of stoppage time.
The Red Devils, though, returned to winning ways in their next outing, beating Scottish giants Rangers 2-0, thanks to goals from Amad Diallo and Joe Hugill either side of the break in Edinburgh.
Ten Hag's side next take on significantly tougher opposition, as they lock horns with their Premier League rivals Arsenal on Saturday (July 27) in Los Angeles to commence their US tour.They play Real Betis in San Diego four days later before closing their pre-season against Liverpool in South Carolina on August 3.
The Red Devils open their new season against Manchester City in the FA Community Shield four days later ahead of their Premier League opener at home to Fulham on August 16.