Erik ten Hag told next two Man Utd matches will determine his future as manager

Alan Shearer has told Erik ten Hag the next two matches could be make or break for his Manchester United future. The Red Devils boss is already back under the microscope after a sluggish start to the season.

He seemingly saved his job with their FA Cup triumph in May, but back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Liverpool – the latter being particularly damning – after the opening day 1-0 victory over Fulham have raised questions about his position again. It’s expected United’s new-look hierarchy will give him time to work with their five summer recruits.

But Shearer reckons Ten Hag could be facing an uphill task too steep to conquer if United don’t get better after the international break away at Southampton and Crystal Palace, with those Premier League fixtures sandwiching the visit of League One Barnsley in the Carabao Cup third round.

The Newcastle United legend told Betfair: “Man United’s results will have to improve massively for Ten Hag to still be at the club at Christmas. A lot will depend on their next two results.

‌”After the defeat to Brighton and the manner of defeat to Liverpool, if the team doesn’t see a massive improvement in the next game or two then it will be really, really difficult for him because the noise will only get louder.”

Like many, Shearer fears for Ten Hag not because of the results, but rather because of the lack of a clear identity in his team despite the influx of signings he’s made since his arrival in 2022. “I don’t know exactly how much they’ve spent in his time as manager, but it’s been an absolute fortune; well over £500million,” he continued.

“However, I don’t see anything different. I don’t see a game plan. When you look at Arne Slot and the short time he’s been at Liverpool, and I know he’s taken over a better team, but Ten Hag has been at Man United for a long time now and spent a lot of money on players who can’t even get in the team, despite how poor they’ve been.

“That doesn’t reflect well on Ten Hag at all, and I don’t see their plan. I can see Liverpool’s plan, but I can’t see Man United’s.”

A clip of Slot breaking down Ten Hag’s tactics during his post-match Sky Sports interview went viral on social media after Sunday’s match. His Reds side were comfortable 3-0 victors at Old Trafford thanks to a Luis Diaz brace and a Mohamed Salah goal, turning over possession in their opponent’s half for all three.