Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has warned that Erik Ten Hag must toughen up, or he'll face the axe. Despite holding onto his role after a nail-biting meeting with Sir Jim Ratcliffe earlier in the week, Ten Hag's tenure balances upon a knife's edge.
With a meagre eight points from seven games so far this season, mirroring United's record-breakingly low Premier League finish last campaign, the Dutchman's future hinges on avoiding repeats of the 3-0 debacles against Liverpool and Tottenham, with a range of potential suitors supposedly ready to step in at any given moment.
Ex-Man Utd star Parker, who made nearly 150 appearances for United after long spells with Fulham and Queen's Park Rangers, cites Ten Hag's soft approach to management as the root of recent woes, asserting that without more robust leadership, his days may be numbered.
Related articles
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
"Erik ten Hag has won trophies, which is what Man United is about," Parker began, praising the Dutchman's silverware haul to mybettingsites.co.uk. "Of course, the fans want a big trophy as well, and a club of that stature should win one, to be honest."
Since Ten Hag's arrival from the Netherlands, he has already savoured triumph in the League Cup during the 2022/23 season against Newcastle - marking the team's first honour since 2017.
An FA Cup final graced their calendar that year, too, and despite being outplayed by rivals Manchester City, United turned the tables last season, securing an unexpected second trophy under their 54-year-old head coach - one that effectively rescued his position and granted an additional year at the helm.
However, Parker pointed out that without a firmer hand, the whispers from the changing room could become roars, potentially leaving Ten Hag with a rebellious squad and facing the sack.
"On the other hand, I don't think he has been strong enough with players who don't deserve to play," Parker added. "He thinks it's the right decision to keep people happy because it's easier to go with what the majority would like. But now he has to be a bit tougher.
"He knows now that people talk behind his back, and players will always look after themselves first and foremost. He is not going to win that battle, and Man United is different from Ajax."
