Erik ten Hag told he's still facing sack and advised to sell 'unreliable' Man Utd star
Erik ten Hag's Manchester United suffered more frustration on Wednesday night as they dropped points at home to Twente in the Europa League to increase pressure on their manager
by Tom Victor · The MirrorManchester United's next slump under Erik ten Hag could spell the end for the manager, pundit Mark Lawrenson claims.
United finished eighth in the Premier League last season under Ten Hag, leaving the Dutchman's position under threat. However, victory in the FA Cup final secured European qualification and helped earn him a stay of execution.
The summer transfer window was United's first under new ownership, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe taking charge of football affairs. Ten Hag was backed in the transfer market, with around £200m spent on new signings, but there's still work to do on the pitch.
Ten Hag's team have seven points from their first five league games, drawing with Crystal Palace in their most recent outing. Their Europa League campaign began on Wednesday against their manager's former employers FC Twente, but early dominance wasn't converted to victory as Sam Lammers rescued a point for the Dutch side.
“I think the treatment of Erik ten Hag over the summer wasn’t great," Lawrenson told Sports Casting. "They were hawking around looking at potential suitors for Ten Hag’s job, I thought at one stage that he’d had enough and might just walk away. Since then, it looks like they’ve kissed and made up.
“I’m still not convinced with United but I do think they’ll be better this season. Will they be good enough to appease their owners, I’m not sure.
"I think if they have another slump, Ten Hag will get sacked. It seems like they’re waiting for that to happen.”
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Lawrenson also argued it's time for United to cash in on Luke Shaw. The England left-back has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, playing just 15 times since the start of last season, with his brief international return at Euro 2024 followed by a fresh setback.
“I think United will be looking for a replacement for Luke Shaw given he’s suffered yet another injury,” the former Liverpool defender added. “He made the Euros in the end but if you’ve got players like him who are very rarely fit, you can’t rely on them.
“It’s not a case of him not playing anymore, it’s more the fact that Ten Hag will be wanting to play the same team every week. If he can have that, and it’s a good team, then United will be up there at the top of the league.
“You’ve got to feel for Luke Shaw, though, he doesn’t mean to get injured that’s just the way the game is. They’ll likely assess the situation at the start of next year and see what they can and can’t do with him.”
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