May 7th 2024.
The recent 4-0 defeat of Manchester United by Crystal Palace has put their manager, Erik ten Hag, under immense pressure. In fact, former United player Michael Owen has publicly called for Ten Hag to be sacked and replaced with Steve McClaren as interim manager until the end of the season. This comes after United's disappointing performance under Ten Hag on Monday evening, where they were dominated by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
There has been a lot of speculation surrounding Ten Hag's future at Old Trafford, but despite the loss to Palace, the Dutchman remains confident that he is the right man to lead the team next season. However, Owen strongly believes that a drastic change is needed in order to salvage United's season. He suggests that McClaren, who is currently Ten Hag's assistant, could improve the team's performance in their remaining three Premier League matches against Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Brighton, as well as their upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25th.
"I've been saying for a long time that Ten Hag is not the right fit for this job," Owen expressed to Premier League Productions after the defeat to Palace. "He simply cannot manage the team next season. The upcoming cup final and important league matches could determine if United will have European football next year. It's time for the board to make a radical decision and bring in someone who can make a difference."
Owen went on to predict that United would struggle against City, Arsenal, and Newcastle, and even their final league match against Brighton. "I just don't see them getting any points with the way they are playing," he added. "Ten Hag is just not good enough to manage Manchester United."
His fellow pundit, Paul Scholes, who also played for United, agreed with Owen and described the defeat to Palace as "the final nail in the coffin" for Ten Hag's reign at the club. "The signs have been there for a while now that it would be difficult for him to continue next season," Scholes stated. "But after this performance, I feel like it's the end for him."
When asked about potential replacements for Ten Hag, Scholes commented that there isn't anyone suitable available at the moment. "I thought he might get another year and work with a club that has calmed down under new ownership, but that doesn't seem likely now," he explained. "With Thomas Tuchel leaving Bayern Munich, it only adds to the problems for Ten Hag. It's clear that his time is running out."
As for who could take over for the remaining four matches of the season, both Owen and Scholes suggested McClaren as a temporary solution. "They need to try something different," Owen asserted. "Anything. Yes, McClaren would be a good choice."
However, Owen did express some doubts about McClaren's current impact on the United team as Ten Hag's assistant. "I've played under McClaren before and I know that he is not involved in coaching this team at all," he clarified. "He is a fantastic coach, but there is no way his fingerprints are on this team. It's a shame because he could make a real difference."
Scholes added that he believes Ten Hag is not allowing McClaren to have an influence on the team. "I don't think he's touching that team," Scholes stated. "As a player, I've had some of my best coaching sessions under McClaren. But it's clear that he has no say in this team's performance."
In agreement, Owen went on to say, "I can't see how McClaren could have anything to do with coaching this team. They are clueless out there. Nothing is working. I don't rate anything about this team at the moment. It's a shame to see."
When asked if McClaren should take over for the remaining matches, Owen responded, "For four games, yes. Anything to try and turn things around. They are going to get demolished by every team if they continue to play like this. Something needs to change now. There's European football at stake and this is a trophy."
It remains to be seen if United will make a change in management before the end of the season, but it's clear that the pressure is mounting for Ten Hag. With the support of former players like Owen and Scholes, it's evident that the fans are also calling for a change. United's next match against Arsenal will surely be a crucial one for Ten Hag and his future at Old Trafford.
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