Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could face the sack if his team fails to secure a win against Southampton, according to former United striker Louis Saha. With mounting pressure following a poor start to the season, Saha believes Ten Hag’s position at the club could become untenable if they lose Saturday’s crucial Premier League clash.
Ten Hag Under Pressure After Rocky Start
Despite leading Manchester United to FA Cup success last season, Ten Hag’s tenure has been marked by inconsistency. While the FA Cup triumph brought some relief, last season’s Premier League performance was among the worst in the club’s recent history. This led many to question his long-term suitability as the Red Devils’ manager.
The new campaign hasn’t offered much improvement. After scraping a narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham in the opening fixture, United were handed a humiliating defeat by Brighton, followed by a crushing 3-0 loss to Liverpool at Old Trafford before the international break.
As Manchester United return to action against a struggling Southampton side, who are winless in their first three Premier League games, Ten Hag is under immense pressure to deliver a convincing victory. Former striker Louis Saha believes the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Dutch manager.
Saha: “Ten Hag’s Position Could Become Untenable”
Speaking to Betfred, Louis Saha warned that a defeat at Southampton would leave United with little choice but to part ways with Ten Hag. “I think so,” said Saha when asked if a loss could result in the manager’s dismissal. “Against Liverpool, the issue was more about the performance rather than just the result. Erik’s under pressure because the team isn’t playing well.”
Saha highlighted the lack of cohesion and tactical clarity in United’s recent performances, particularly in their heavy defeat to Liverpool. “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 Liverpool did, then the situation would be untenable for Erik ten Hag.”
Tactical Concerns and Game Plan Issues
Much of the criticism aimed at Ten Hag revolves around the team’s inability to execute a clear tactical game plan. Saha emphasized that, at a club like Manchester United, having a well-defined strategy is crucial, especially when facing elite opposition. “You need to find different ways to beat the best sides, but at the same time, your philosophy has to align with a foundation that the players understand,” said Saha.
The former United striker pointed out that the recent tactical failures, especially during the Liverpool game, highlighted deeper issues within the squad. “We saw Arne Slot and Liverpool destroy the tactics of Erik ten Hag in their last game. It’s not about personalities; it’s about seeing a plan that the players can identify with and cause damage with.”
The Fan and Pundit Perspective
Beyond the opinions of former players, there is growing frustration among pundits and fans who are struggling to make sense of United’s performances. Saha touched on the growing disconnect between the team’s play and its supporters. “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.”
The lack of a clear identity and strategy on the pitch has led to questions about whether Ten Hag is the right man to lead the club forward. Saha echoed these sentiments, noting that the problem lies in the absence of a coherent game plan. “Currently, we can’t identify a clear game plan and that’s why Erik’s being criticised. Things need to improve.”
Southampton Showdown: Ten Hag’s Last Stand?
With so much riding on the outcome of the Southampton match, it’s clear that Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United hangs in the balance. If United fail to secure a win, it could spell the end of the Dutchman’s time at Old Trafford.
The match is not just about the result—it’s about how the team performs. A disjointed display, akin to what was seen against Liverpool, may force the club to take drastic action. With United fans and pundits increasingly vocal about the need for change, Saturday’s match could determine whether Erik ten Hag continues as Manchester United manager or becomes the latest casualty of the club’s post-Ferguson era.
Focus Keywords: Erik ten Hag, Manchester United, Southampton, sacked, Premier League, Louis Saha, Liverpool, FA Cup, tactical issues, game plan, Manchester United vs Southampton
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