Ex-Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen says the club is making no progress under Erik ten Hag.
Meulensteen was part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s staff for six years between 2007-2013 and helped deliver countless silverware to Old Trafford and has now heaped the pressure on the struggling Dutchman.
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United were humiliated by Crystal Palace on Monday night, losing 4-0 and slipping into a battle with Chelsea and Newcastle for the European places.
It was their heaviest defeat of the season and it leaves new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe in a difficult situation as he weighs up whether to draft in a new manager for 2024-25.
Speaking to Dutch media outlet NOS, Meulensteen said: “It is really incomprehensible what is happening now. There is simply no progress whatsoever.
“You know, as a new trainer you always have to deal with a selection that you have not put together yourself.
“So, it takes a few transfer periods before you get the players you want. I always say, a trainer needs 18 months to get it right, to get on track.
“He should’ve never come in the first place” 😨
Manchester United fans give their opinions on Erik ten Hag 🎤 pic.twitter.com/NxHjdlxJpb
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 7, 2024
“But now there is none of that optimism left. There is no playing style, club culture or philosophy.
“If you look at the statistics it doesn’t make any sense. Manchester United has a goal difference of minus three!”
United’s poor goal difference comes from their lack of efficiency in the final third.
The Red Devils have scored just 52 goals this season, the least of anyone in the top half of the table.
Summer signing Rasmus Hojlund has only found the net eight times in the Premier League and captain Bruno Fernandes leads the way with 10 goals.
They have three tough games left to play against Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton and anymore dropped points could see them miss out on Europe altogether.
Despite reaching the FA Cup final, their downfall across the campaign might have already sealed Ten Hag’s future after full years in the job.
