“What’s this all about?” - Wesley Sneijder hits out at Manchester United over Erik ten Hag decision amid poor run of results
Manchester United hit a new low on Sunday, September 30, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. With a disappointing start to the season, Erik ten Hag finds himself under mounting pressure, though the club has granted him a temporary lifeline. Former Netherlands midfielder Wesley Sneijder has voiced concerns about this decision.
United initially started the season on a positive note with a 1-0 win over Fulham. However, defeats to Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool, followed by a goalless draw against Crystal Palace, put them in a difficult position.
Matters worsened at the weekend following a dismal performance against Spurs, during which Bruno Fernandes was sent off, which ultimately allowed Tottenham to secure a comfortable victory.
With only two wins from their opening six league games, Manchester United currently sit 13th in the table, with just seven points to their name.
Despite the poor results, Ten Hag, who received a vote of confidence from the revamped Manchester United board over the summer, remains in charge. Several reports suggest that the outcomes of the next two games - against FC Porto in the Europa League and an away match at Aston Villa - will determine his future.
Sneijder, however, has questioned the board’s approach, wondering if victories in these two games will truly change the club’s fortunes under Ten Hag. Sneijder told Rondo (via Metro):
“We now read reports: 'This is the week of truth for Erik ten Hag.' What’s this all about? What if he draws vs Porto and accidentally beats Aston Villa, that would fix everything for them? What is this policy? So this club is already working on maybe appointing a new manager, but at the same time these two results can change everything?”
If things continue to go downhill, Ten Hag is expected to leave, with several names already on the shortlist. According to the Star, Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi is an option while former England boss Gareth Southgate is also being considered.
Additionally, the Times reports that Manchester United could appoint assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy if Ten Hag departs.
Rio Ferdinand questions Erik ten Hag’s tactical approach following poor performances
Rio Ferdinand was visibly displeased after watching his former team struggle to find their rhythm under Erik ten Hag. The former England defender questioned the Dutchman’s impact on the club, suggesting that individual brilliance has often been what saved them from poor performances.
Ferdinand said on his FIVE podcast (via Express):
“I can’t see an Erik ten Hag way of playing. Nothing is by design at Manchester United right now, with or without the ball. I look at Man United with the ball now and for a long time it is - if Bruno’s going to create a moment, that’s it, we’re going to get goals or get chances."
"Rashford’s gonna do something or Garnacho, individual moments is all Man United have lived and breathed on for the last year or two,”
Manchester United have an opportunity to turn their form around in the coming weeks but they face a tough run of fixtures. After games against Porto and Aston Villa, United will take on Brentford following the international break before traveling to Turkey to face Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the Europa League.