Manchester United have been told to put the ‘deluded’ Erik ten Hag out of his misery by sacking the Dutchman after a 13 defeat of the season. Broadcaster Richard Keys believes the Reds Devils’ ‘long-suffering’ supporters all want Ten Hag dismissed by co-owner Jim Ratcliffe.
Nottingham Forest inflicted yet another loss upon Ten Hag’s United on Saturday. The Red Devils have already been dumped out of the Champions League this term and sit seventh in the Premier League after nine league defeats.
Prior to the reverse at Forest, Ten Hag insisted United can beat anyone in the top-flight, pointing to positive performances against Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa. But Keys has branded the former Ajax head coach ‘deluded’ and has urged Ratcliffe to dismiss the manager.
“I’ve nothing to say about United – other than – the manager is deluded and somebody should put both him and United’s long suffering fans out of their misery,” Keys wrote in his blog. “Is there anyone left that doesn’t agree with me now about the Dutchman?”
Ten Hag boldly predicted that United can ‘beat anyone’ just 24 hours before losing 2-1 against 15th-placed Forest. He said: “When we have all the players back, the squad is strong. Against Liverpool, Arsenal, Villa, the top three teams in the league, we went head-to head… we can beat anyone.”
The 53-year-old insists he has the belief of the United hierarchy to turn around the club’s poor form. He points out that United overachieved last season by finishing third and winning the Carabao Cup.
“They know me and they know when I have the squad what is available then the results will be there. We have already proved against the top teams that we can go head to head,” Ten Hag said.
“I am convinced and I have strong belief that we can get progress in this team and get more consistency than this moment. It is part of a project. We were overperforming last year, this year – so far – we are underperforming and we have to do better. We have to step up. I have to lead the process.”
Asked if he believes United’s fortunes will improve, Ten Hag replied: “Of course I believe that. I know when [injured] players return, I’m sure this side will be stronger.”
Ratcliffe had his 25 per cent bid for United ratified over the Christmas period. It remains unclear what view he will take on Ten Hag’s long-term future, but the United head coach appears set to see through the January transfer window.
