Pundit: Manchester United Seems to Be Waiting for Another Setback to Justify Sacking Ten Hag

On September 27, according to football pundit Mark Lawrenson’s comments published by The Mirror, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag remains at risk of being fired, and the club appears to be waiting for another downturn in the team’s fortunes to justify the decision to sack the Dutchman.

Last season, Manchester United finished only eighth in the Premier League, putting ten Hag’s position under threat.

However, the victory in the FA Cup final secured European competition qualification for Manchester United and provided a temporary reprieve from the threat of dismissal for the Dutch manager.

The arrival of the Ineos group gave ten Hag strong backing in the transfer market, with Manchester United spending approximately £200 million in the summer window, but improvements on the pitch are still needed.

In his podcast, Lawrenson highlighted Manchester United’s current predicament, saying: “I think from the summer up until now, ten Hag’s situation hasn’t been good. Manchester United were looking around for a replacement for ten Hag but then it seemed like they reconciled. Now I’m still not sure about ten Hag’s future at Manchester United. I thought they would improve significantly this season, but whether it’s enough to please the owners is uncertain. From what I can see, if Manchester United enter another low point, ten Hag will be fired, and what’s scary is that the club seems content to let this happen.”

Lawrenson also believes that it is time for Manchester United to sell Luke Shaw to cash in. The English left-back has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, making only 15 appearances since last season, and facing new setbacks after a brief return during the 2024 European Championship.

Lawrenson said: “Luke Shaw is injured again, which means Manchester United have to find a replacement once more. Although he participated in the European Championship, his fragile body doesn’t give Manchester United any confidence. I believe Manchester United will assess his future early next year.”