Erik ten Hag has run out of excuses despite the injury crisis engulfing Manchester United, warns former assistant coach Rene Meulensteen.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is finding his job is under increased scrutiny – although he is expected to retain his role until the FA Cup final.
The 4-0 loss away at Crystal Palace was arguably the lowest point of a miserable season.
Ten Hag criticised his players for not following instructions when defending, although declined to single anybody out.
Rene Meulensteen on Erik ten Hag
Former Manchester United assistant coach Rene Meulensteen spoke to BBC Sport in the aftermath of the team’s four-goal loss at Selhurst Park.
Meulensteen said: “There was no structure, but also no heart and no passion. And the worrying thing is that Erik ten Hag said they had a week to prepare for this game, so you set out a plan, your tactics, your defence – but all the players have a job to do whether that’s in possession or out of possession.”
The Dutchman, who worked under Sir Alex Ferguson, says he believes Erik ten Hag’s time has expired when it comes to reasonable expectation to set his style in place.
He branded the situation as ‘worrying’ that United have gone so far backwards in terms of playing style and performance.
“From my own experience, for any manager that is given a new squad and new players then it will take about 18 months for that to bed in, to get everyone to buy in to your way and what you want.
“Erik ten Hag is beyond that 18 months and after a reasonable season last year, this should be the season that the squad kicks on. But the problem is they have regressed.
“Inside 18 months, you’ve got the players you want, you know what you want from them and they know the expectation, and then you get the consistency in results and performances.
“That has not happened, and that is worrying when these were seen to be the group of players that were going to shape the future of the club.”
Erik ten Hag long term situation unclear
Manchester United may be resisting any temptation to pull the trigger and fire Erik ten Hag now, but the Dutchman’s long term future at the club is in some doubt.
Ineos have been assessing Manchester United’s form and progress, and Ten Hag has just one win in the last seven Premier League games.
Now with Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton up next, Ten Hag is on the ropes, whether he admits it or not.
Ineos will take a decision at the end of the season, which will conclude with theFA Cup final against Manchester City.