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The pressure on Erik Ten Hag continues to intensify, with former players and pundits questioning his future at Manchester United.
While Ten Hag guided the club to an FA Cup victory last season, a series of underwhelming performances and lingering doubts about his long-term suitability have left many wondering if his time at Old Trafford is running out.
Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore recently weighed in, suggesting that Ten Hag’s days as United boss are numbered.
Collymore, known for his blunt opinions, pointed to Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent scathing comments about the club as evidence that United’s problems run deep.
Ronaldo, now at Al-Nassr, criticised United’s ambition, saying, “You cannot say that you’re not going to fight to win the Premier League or Champions League.”
While defending Ten Hag, Collymore suggested that Ronaldo’s return in 2021 exacerbated the club’s woes, labelling it a “circus” that set the Dutchman up for failure.
Collymore’s assessment aligns with former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy, who believes Ten Hag has failed the “sniff test” at Old Trafford.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Cundy claimed it is “clear as day” that Ruud van Nistelrooy will eventually replace the current manager.
He criticised United’s ownership for their lukewarm support of Ten Hag, pointing out that the manager was handed only a one-year contract extension—a decision Cundy described as lacking genuine backing.
Adding to the pressure, the club’s disappointing start to the season has done little to calm speculation about Ten Hag’s future.
After a narrow opening victory, United have struggled with back-to-back losses, casting doubt on their ability to compete at the top level.
Despite the mounting criticism, Ten Hag remains in charge — for now.
However, with former United stars like Ronaldo openly questioning the club’s direction and pundits predicting his downfall, it appears that it will only be a matter of time before a change is made at Old Trafford.
Whether van Nistelrooy or another candidate will step into the dugout remains to be seen, but the writing is on the wall for Ten Hag. He is on thin ice.
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