Erik ten Hag, the current manager of Manchester United, is facing increasing scrutiny as the Red Devils struggle this season. However, Liverpool legend John Barnes has expressed his belief that the blame should not be solely placed on the manager.
Barnes stated in an interview with Genting Casino that the team’s poor performance is not solely the fault of the manager, but also a result of the lack of full support from the fans and players. He emphasized the need for the players to take responsibility for their performances and to show more support for the manager, stating, “Until the fans and the players start to respect who their manager is, then nothing is going to improve. The players need to take some responsibility for Manchester United’s performances.”
Barnes also highlighted the need for the players to put in more effort and take responsibility for their performances on the field. He acknowledged that the players may not be intentionally underperforming, but emphasized the need for them to work harder in challenging situations.
In addition, there is speculation about the future of Erik ten Hag as the manager of Manchester United, with reports of INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe considering the decision to keep the Dutchman on. Barnes expressed his support for Ten Hag, stating, “I have no idea what Jim Ratcliffe is going to do, but he should stick with ten Hag. I think that Erik ten Hag is a very good manager. Which manager is going to be better than Erik ten Hag to take Manchester United forward?”
As the FA Cup semi-final approaches, there is heightened attention on United’s performance in this competition, as their chances of securing silverware this season are diminishing. The pressure on Ten Hag is increasing as fans, players, and stakeholders closely monitor his next moves.
With the Premier League season drawing to a close, Manchester United still face significant challenges ahead, with matches against tough opponents such as Arsenal and Newcastle. The outcome of these fixtures will be pivotal in their pursuit of a top-four finish.
The future of Erik ten Hag at Manchester United remains uncertain, and the criticisms and support from various quarters continue to attract attention. It is evident that the situation at Old Trafford is complex, and the outcome of this season will have significant implications for the club’s future.
Amidst this uncertainty, it is apparent that the ongoing struggles at Manchester United cannot be solely attributed to the manager, and will require collective effort from the fans, players, and management to overcome.