Ten Hag made a positive impression in 2022/23, his debut season at Old Trafford. After a rocky start, the Dutchman led United to third place in the Premier League and an FA Cup final.
He also established authority behind the scenes, dropping five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo and ousting the Portuguese altogether when he went public with his lack of ‘respect’ for the former Ajax boss.
Despite United fans rallying behind Ten Hag, Neville, who made more than 600 first-team appearances for the club, has cast doubt on whether he can come up with the goods.
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When asked during a social media question and answer session whether he felt Ten Hag would ‘succeed’, Neville responded: “If succeed [means] winning a league and Champions League, it’s doubtful under this ownership.”
The 48-year-old has been vocal in his criticism of the Glazers, who have owned a controlling stake in the Red Devils since 2005. United fans were dealt a bitter blow earlier this month when it emerged that Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani – a prominent Qatari banker hoping to buy the Glazers out – had withdrawn from a long-running takeover process.
Sir Jim is now widely expected to complete the purchase of a minority stake in United, keeping the Glazers as majority shareholders. Shortly after the news broke, Neville shared his thoughts on how United can fix their boardroom issues.
“The club requires leadership that is statesmanlike on major issues that enables a fairer, more inclusive and diverse game,” he wrote on X. “Leadership that builds a positive environment and culture whilst adhering to the club’s values and principles, and one that is willing to make tough decisions to prevent an erosion of the club’s public image.
“How does a minority stakeholder positively impact the club to achieve the above? Can a minority shareholder have any impact on the above?
“It leaves more questions than answers. My preference is and always will be now for a Glazer family full exit. They have overstayed their welcome in Manchester yet seem oblivious to this fact.”
