Gary Neville has hinted that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a> manager Erik ten Hag could very well be fired in the near future. The pundit looked on as his former team was crushed 3-0 at home on Wednesday by <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/newcastle-united-tv-schedule/">Newcastle</a>. The heavy defeat saw the Red Devils crash out of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/league-cup-tv-schedule/">Carabao Cup</a> in the fourth round. United topped the Magpies in the previous competition’s final back in February.



“Last night we saw the Theatre of Dreams turn into the Theatre of Nothing,” Neville <a href="https://twitter.com/GNev2/status/1719967956648534490" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wrote</a> on X after the dismal performance. “Every single United fan bored and flat. On the pitch the players in shock, the performances woeful, and a manager struggling in front of our eyes. We’ve seen it before, we know how it ends and we’ve had enough.”



<h2>Manager claims to ‘fight’ for the club during difficult period</h2>



The most recent result is not exactly an outlier in United’s season. In fact, the Red Devils have already suffered eight total defeats in the current campaign. This comes as the club has played just 15 matches so far this season. Not only have they now been knocked out of the Carabao Cup, but they are also struggling in other competitions as well.



United currently sit eighth in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> standings after losing half of their fixtures. They also would not advance to the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a> knockout stage if their group games ended now. The Red Devils are third in Group A behind <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/bayern-munich-tv-schedule/">Bayern Munich</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/galatasaray-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Galatasaray</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231102_WST_466671_United-loss-1200x675.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-466707" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/United-loss-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/United-loss-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/United-loss-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/United-loss.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Manchester United has lost eight of its first 15 games in the current campaign.</figcaption></figure>



Nevertheless, United’s manager told reporters after the Newcastle defeat that he will keep fighting for the team. “I am a fighter and I know it is not always going to go up and we have a lot of setbacks this season,” <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/nov/02/i-am-a-fighter-erik-ten-hag-defiant-after-newcastle-humble-manchester-united" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated</a> ten Hag. “But also, you have to deal with it and that is never an excuse.”



“I see it as a challenge. I am a fighter, and I am in that fight, and I have to make sure that I share the responsibility with my players and that we stick together and fight together, and get better results.”



<h2>Gary Neville says ten Hag is not alone in the blame</h2>



Neville also voiced his concern over the club’s lack of leadership from the top. The former Red Devil praised the way Newcastle and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City</a>, two teams that United has played in recent days, set up for success beyond their managers.



“On my way up to the gantry last night I bumped into Dan Ashworth,” continued Neville. “He transformed the FA’s structure, set <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/brighton-tv-schedule-where-to-watch-the-seagulls/">Brighton</a> up for this incredible period of success, and has now built a strong foundation for the new owners at Newcastle.”



“In the last two matches, Manchester United has played two clubs that have installed proper football departments to support the team on the pitch and off it. The complete opposite of United.”



Ten Hag <a href="https://apnews.com/article/man-united-ten-hag-agent-kees-vos-50eb96bc7d45208482d76b239063de1b" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recently claimed</a> that he essentially has 50% power in deciding on player transfers. However, several high-profile player purchases have not worked out as of yet since the manager entered the fray. This includes the club’s second-highest transfer ever, Antony, after his $95 million move in 2022. Ten Hag previously coached the Brazilian at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ajax-tv-schedule/">Ajax</a>.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Gary Neville: Erik ten Hag is heading for sack at Man United

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has claimed that Erik ten Hag is on the hot seat following another Manchester United loss.

destacadas

<a href="/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/berbatovreutersstoyannenov1.jpg" title="Berbatov"></a><div><figure class="image"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/berbatovreutersstoyannenov1.jpg" title="Berbatov"></a></figure></div>
Looking forward to seeing how Manchester United employ new signing Dimitar Berbatov this weekend versus Liverpool, or better yet, who gets the hook up front: Wayne Rooney or Carlos Tevez. While Rooney may need a breather after playing for England the past couple of weeks, I don’t see how Sir Alex Ferguson can leave out such a playmaker against his most bitter rivals. My fear is they might put Rooney out wide, where he seems to be drifting lately, and that will only work to condone the practice (the opposite of what Capello wants him to do for country).
And how do you leave out Tevez and his unbridled energy? Though he hasn’t scored yet for the club this season (only Fletcher has, incredibly) United will need his playmaking skills and indefatigable efforts to create for Rooney or Berbatov (or himself, of course). So, does United go 4-3-3? Start one then substitute for the other?
I believe the signing of Berbatov will show shrewd for Sir Alex and United. In my opinion (and many others) United have not had such a striker since Ruud van Nistelroy left (was shown the door).&nbsp; To have a knack to be in the “right place at the right time” cannot be taught but is such a great asset. It remains to be seen how he will adapt to life at such a large club, but just like the discussion of how Fernando Torres would adjust to life in the EPL last year, goals quickly sway hearts and minds. The sooner Berbatov opens his United account, the quicker he becomes another favorite to the supporters (as well as another notch to Sir Alex’s already storied success at bringing in top-notch talent).
Can’t wait!

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Gary Neville: Erik ten Hag is heading for sack at Man United

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