Lee Sharpe: Ten Hag may have two games to save his job (interview for Newbettingsites.uk)

Former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe has told NewBettingSites.uk that he believes Erik ten Hag may have only two games remaining to save his job at Old Trafford, with tough away games against Porto and Aston Villa on the horizon.

Speaking to NewBettingSites.uk, Sharpe said: “Rumour has it that Erik ten Hag has two games to keep his job, Porto and Aston Villa away; good luck to him if they’re his last two games to prove himself! As far as replacements go, I think Ruud van Nistelrooy would take over as interim manager but I don’t see any standout candidates at the moment. Gareth Southgate has been mentioned but I don’t think he’s much of a fan favourite nor does he share the right philosophies to take control at the club – he’s too negative and defensive.

“When you look at individual performances, Marcus Rashford was struggling and then he scored a few goals and instead of building his confidence, Ten Hag leaves him out. Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho have had good seasons but he’s chosen to leave those two out as well. Questions need to start being asked of Ten Hag, and I’m sure a lot of people want him to stay for continuity because sacking managers every 18 months doesn’t help. However, it’s got to that point now where a decision needs to be made.”

Gap between United and City is the biggest it’s ever been

Sharpe suggested that the gulf in class between Manchester United and their rivals Manchester City is currently the biggest it has ever been, citing United’s loss to Tottenham as an example of how far they have fallen since Alex Ferguson’s departure.

“I would say the gap between United and Manchester City has to be the biggest it’s ever been,” said Sharpe. “Especially after their performance against Tottenham at the weekend. I think that was one of the poorest performances we’ve ever seen from a Manchester United team since Sir Alex Ferguson left. They were so poor on so many levels. If you’re comparing them to Manchester City, you’d have to say that performance was the furthest thing away from a team that could compete for league titles with City that you’ve ever seen.”

Ten Hag is getting outdone tactically

Shifting the focus back to Ten Hag, Sharpe claimed the Dutchman is being outdone tactically by other Premier League managers, with his insistence on playing full-backs so high up the pitch just one element of his “questionable” approach.

Sharpe said: “Erik ten Hag has now entered his third season at Manchester United. I think everyone was expecting a lot more from him with regards to consistency in that time. I think some of his tactics, team selections and substitute decisions have been a bit questionable at times. You can see that he wants his full-backs to get forward but I think they’re going too far up the pitch too early on in the game when United don’t have good possession.

“Diogo Dalot showed that against Tottenham, Noussair Mazraoui showed that against Liverpool. The opposition are getting free chances, free headers and free goals on the back post because the full-backs have pushed too far up. All three goals against Liverpool were mistakes – Ten Hag is getting outdone tactically.”