Manchester United’s Dutch manager Erik ten Hag reacts after the English League Cup third round soccer match between Manchester United and Barnsley at Old Trafford in Manchester, northwest England, on September 17, 2024. Manchester United won the match 7-0. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. Not for use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online use during the match limited to 120 images. 40 additional images can be used in additional time. No video emulation. Use of social media during the match is limited to 120 images. 40 additional images can be used in additional time. Not to be used in betting posts, games or single club/league/player posts. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United players have been accused of “hiding behind” manager Erik ten Hag amid the club’s struggles.
The Red Devils beat League One Barnsley 7-0 at Old Trafford on Tuesday, but that has done little to excite fans after a poor start that has seen them pick up just six points from four Premier League games.
United’s wins have come 1-0 and 3-0 against Fulham and Southampton respectively.
However, when presented with tougher opposition (on paper) they have crumbled, conceding in the 95th minute to lose 2-1 away at Brighton before being crushed. 3-0 at Old Trafford against Liverpool.
Man Utd players ‘hiding behind’ Ten Hag?
Despite only signing a contract extension in the summer and winning two cups during his time at the club so far, Ten Hag is under pressure, with some believing he should be sacked.
But former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit has a very different view.
The Frenchman, who won the Premier League, Ligue 1, World Cup and European Championship titles during his playing days, has accused Man Utd players of ‘hiding behind’ Ten You must not take responsibility for your own form.
“I don’t agree with all the criticism around Erik ten Hag,” Petit told BetMGM’s The LineUp podcast (via The Sun).
“It’s very difficult for a club when they keep changing managers as much as Manchester United have and I actually look at the players there and think they’re hiding behind him.
“I don’t like it. They are players with real pedigree and they hide behind it instead of stepping up and doing a job for the team.
“It is a shame to see the club in the state it is in. The Premier League needs Manchester United back to their prime and it starts with the players.
“Yes, the coach is responsible for many things and the board is also responsible for doing well in the transfer market, but at the end of the day it is the responsibility of the players on the pitch and they have not been good enough. for some time.”
Next Saturday evening for the Red Devils is a trip to Crystal Palace.
Top photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
