Ian Wright has cast doubt on Erik ten Hag’s suitability to manage Manchester United. The Dutchman’s future at Old Trafford is increasingly uncertain.
Ten Hag took over from Ralf Rangnick in July 2022, but he has failed to restore United’s status as a top Premier League team despite spending heavily on new players. According to the Manchester Evening News, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who owns the club, is not fully convinced that Ten Hag is the right man for the job.
Ratcliffe wants to take United back to “the very top of English, European and world football” and Ten Hag needs to show his value. United are currently sixth and 11 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, with only the FA Cup left to compete for.
Wright, a former Arsenal striker, says he is not impressed by United’s performances on the pitch. He says he does not see what Ten Hag’s playing style is.
Wright said on Premier League Productions: “You have to ask, is this the manager who can take them to the next level?”
“If you are looking at it now, I still don’t know what their main structure of play is. You can’t buy players like Antony and it doesn’t work. (Sofyan) Amrabat coming in and it doesn’t work. Why did you buy Mason Mount
“So, you are looking at players they have bought, just those three and you are thinking to yourself, ‘who is making those decisions?’ Those things don’t happen at Man City, of course, they don’t. They have an unbelievable management team.”
Featuring on Optus Sport over the weekend, Paul Scholes seemed to agree with Wright. The former Manchester United midfielder claimed said the team are ‘a million miles away’ from where they should be if they want to win the Premier League.
“What we’re seeing is a million miles away from a team that should be challenging for the league. Every single season it’s just so far away. I think they [INEOS] have already made their mind up. I don’t think he will be there next season. No.
“From the interviews, we’ve heard with Sir Jim, I thought there was a little bit of negativity towards the club the last 10 or 11 years and especially the last two years. I don’t think he’s happy with what’s going on. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re looking for a new manager now. I’m not saying it’s the right decision.”