ERIK TEN HAG’S job could become “untenable” if Manchester United lose to Southampton on Saturday, according to Louis Saha.
Former Red Devils striker Saha, 45, was reflecting on Ten Hag’s latest 3-0 humiliation at the hands of rivals Liverpool.
United fans are waiting to see a consistent style of play from the Dutchman.
Ten Hag’s side have brought last season’s troubles into the new campaign, losing two of their first three games.
They were dominated by most opponents, big or small, last term as they faced more than 200 shots on goal – a figure only surpassed by bottom club Sheffield United.
And now if Ten Hag does not get his act together against the newly-promoted Saints he could face the sack this weekend, says the former United and Fulham forward.
Saha, who was on the United books for four years between 2004 and 2008, was asked if he believes Ten Hag’s job is vulnerable.
He told Betfred: “I think so. Against Liverpool, the issue was the performance rather than just the result.
“So Erik’s under pressure because the team isn’t playing well. There were no signs during the game that things were going to be fixed.
“On Saturday, if Southampton are able to dominate United in the same way that Liverpool dominated last week, then the situation would be untenable for Erik ten Hag.”
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Ten Hag looked set to be sacked prior to last season’s FA Cup final.
But United then claimed a 2-1 win over Manchester City at Wembley to save their campaign after placing a record low of eighth in the Premier League table.
Saha also explained that Ten Hag, who was offered a one-year extension, needs to be more tactically versatile.
The former Prem striker added: “There’s a lot of people in punditry and the media, as well as the fans, who are seeing things that they can’t understand when they watch United at the moment.
“We saw Arne Slot destroy Ten Hag’s tactics in their last game. At this moment, it’s not about personalities, it’s about seeing a plan that the players can identify with and cause damage with.”
Saha also revealed that fans need to be more supportive of Marcus Rashford, who needs to do “better”.
United travel to Southampton, who have also lost two and won one, on Saturday lunchtime, before hosting Barnsley in the EFL cup on Tuesday.
Ten Hag’s last visit to the South coast resulted in a last gasp 2-1 defeat to Brighton last month, courtesy of on-fire Joao Pedro.
ERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.
Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.
Gareth Southgate
Enjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.
Kieran McKenna
Talks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.
Roberto De Zerbi
Allegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.
Thomas Frank
Brentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.
Marco Silva
Fulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.
Mauricio Pochettino
Fell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Thomas Tuchel
Made a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.
Ruben Amorim
Sporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.
Roberto Martinez
Portugal manager was considered in the early stages.
