Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd have lost nine of 20 games so far this season (Photo: Getty)
Paul Merson has warned Erik ten Hag that ‘he is not managing Ajax anymore’ after Manchester United’s latest capitulation.
United threw away a two-goal lead twice to draw 3-3 with Galatasaray on Wednesday evening.
It has left the Red Devils’ chances of progressing in the Champions League hanging by a thread as they now need to beat Bayern Munich and hope that Galatasaray and Copenhagen draw in the final group games.
Before that however, their attention turns back to the Premier League where they face a tricky test away to Newcastle on Saturday night.
The Magpies also endured pain in Europe in midweek – drawing against PSG thanks to a late, controversial penalty – and are still in the middle of a huge injury crisis.
Nevertheless, Eddie Howe’s side are just a point behind Ten Hag’s in seventh, beat United 3-0 in the Carabao Cup in November, and impressively defeated Chelsea 4-1 last week.
Merson thinks the Magpies will triumph again on Saturday, and has warned the United manager that things will not improve for him unless he tweaks his tactics and team selection.
Andre Onana has made numerous errors since joining Man Utd (Photo: Getty)
‘Manchester United keep throwing away their leads,’ Merson wrote for Sportskeeda.
‘Against Galatasaray, with the score 3-1, it was like a basketball match. It was so open. Erik ten Hag has got to understand that he is not managing Ajax anymore.
‘He needs to learn how to shut up shop. You don’t have to entertain all the time. Sometimes, you have to take the pragmatic route.
‘I think their chances of making it through to the knockout stages of the Champions League are still alive by the way. That’s because I believe Bayern might play a weakened squad against them as they’ve already qualified.
Many are hoping to see young Kobbie Mainoo start against Newcastle (Photo: Getty)
‘United have a few issues to address though. Firstly, Andre Onana should have saved both of Hakim Ziyech’s goals. It was an extremely disappointing performance and as the goalkeeper of such a big club, you cannot keep costing your team big wins.
‘United booted David de Gea out of the club and the consensus seemed to be that they would be able to challenge for titles with a better goalkeeper. But it has just not worked out with Onana, has it?
‘Secondly, they have to trust Kobbie Mainoo to play at the base of midfield. He did a great job against Everton last weekend and I don’t know why they went with Sofyan Amrabat against Galatasaray.
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‘It must have something to do with not throwing a young player in the deep end in as hostile an environment as the RAMS Park. But if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.
‘Mainoo should start here but even then, I don’t see Manchester United toughing it out against Newcastle United. Manchester United are more ruthless than Chelsea but the Magpies were excellent last weekend and I’d be shocked if they don’t win this week.
‘Predicted scoreline: Newcastle United 3-1 Manchester United’
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‘Erik ten Hag has got to understand that he is not managing Ajax anymore.’