You feel a lot is riding on Manchester United’s FA Cup showdown against Liverpool on Sunday for Erik ten Hag.
Liverpool are in a world of their own this season and on course to win every trophy possible in Jurgen Klopp’s final campaign at the club.
But if Erik ten Hag can manage to spoil the party, then you feel those Manchester United critics will certainly turn quiet down.
Martin Keown seems to be one of them and he was pretty vocal about the man in the Old Trafford dugout ahead of the FA Cup tie.
The former Arsenal defender suggested that there is ‘propaganda’ coming from the lips of the 54-year-old because of how he is currently viewing Manchester United, as he told Football Focus.
One of the biggest issues facing the team for months now is the number of shots they are facing at their goal, time and time again.
Even against lowly Everton, who have the second-worst goals record in the Premier League this season, they still managed 23 efforts on goal last week.
Despite that occurring theme, Erik ten Hag himself thinks his side are still ‘controlling’ games, but Martin Keown is having none of it.
Manchester United v Liverpool FA Cup
“I don’t know maybe I am seeing something different to ten Hag,” said Keown.
“It almost feels like propaganda when he does an interview after the game because last week against Everton. What was it 22 opportunities on goal?
“What he was talking about afterwards about them controlling the game. I didn’t see that. I am seeing a lot of defeats. Five from the last 13 matches.
“I can only see Liverpool going on and winning this game.”
Erik ten Hag’s future
Major changes to the Old Trafford boardroom have occurred in recent months, and some big faces could yet join the club.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the heart of it all, it has raised questions about ten Hag’s future.
But sources have told HITC Football that new co-owner Ratcliffe is backing his £173k-a-week manager.
Of course, all that could change if the team is trophyless and outside of the Champions League places by the time the season is out.
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