Manchester United face a big call at the end of the season on whether they should stick or twist with Erik ten Hag.
On Sunday, the sixth-placed Premier League side dented Liverpool’s title chances by securing a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.
Days after losing 4-3 to Chelsea in dramatic fashion, it signals the up-and-down nature of being involved with Manchester United this season.
All eyes are on the club’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and what calls he makes during these coming weeks and months, especially with the manager.
Sources have already told HITC that he is backing ten Hag and he has no plans to replace the Dutchman in the summer.
After Manchester United’s draw on Sunday, Nemanja Vidic sent a message to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and how he has a ‘hell of a job to do’, as he told Premier League Productions (07/04/24 at 7:10 pm).
This team finished third in the Premier League last season and won the League Cup, as well as losing the FA Cup final to Manchester City.
Despite watching their rivals win the Treble, it was still seen as a positive campaign in ten Hag’s debut season in English football.
Vidic admitted that he expected better from Manchester United this season, such as challenging for the title, and he feels the issue isn’t quality, but the mentality of the players.
Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United
“You talk about what Erik ten Hag did for Manchester United, I think last season he did well, obviously they finished third,” said Vidic.
“I thought, after the first season, this season was going to be even better. Maybe they will be challenging for the title. Look at Liverpool last season, they were fifth in the table and now they are competing for the title. I thought this season, he would improve the team even better. It seems like certain players didn’t stand up and perform, especially the experienced players. It’s not just about the coach.
“I think it’s about the players. The mentality and that’s what is the issue at the club, not just this year, but the last few years. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team, they have a hell of a job to do. If you look at the way Man United played this season, I don’t think they are in this situation because they don’t have the quality. I think it’s because they don’t have the mentality.”
Which Manchester United will turn up next?
For Man United, it’s a trip to the South Coast to take on European-chasing Bournemouth next.
As fans have seen time and time again, the team can’t stop conceding 20+ shots at their goal, regardless of who they play, home or away.
And you feel a team like Bournemouth, who like to play on the front foot, will certainly look to continue that unwanted streak.
After putting up such a fight against Liverpool, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Man United turn the screw the other way and lose to Bournemouth.
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