Manchester United’s hierarchy has shifted its focus to the upcoming Europa League match against Porto, amidst growing speculation surrounding head coach Erik ten Hag’s future.
Sunday’s dismal 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham has intensified pressure on the Dutchman, testing the patience of Ineos chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The loss has sparked widespread criticism, with former England striker Alan Shearer labeling United a “mess” on The Rest Is Football podcast.
BBC Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker also expressed concern, stating that United’s players looked like “lost souls” against Tottenham.
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Shearer said:
“Can anyone tell me what Manchester United are?
“What is their system? What is their plan? Do they sit, do they attack, do they press?
I don’t know. I don’t have a clue what they are. They are a mess.”
Shearer said United’s players could not “hide behind” Ten Hag,
but Lineker said: “It’s hard to see him turning this around now. He must be under terrible pressure. Who knows what the owners think?
“They look like lost souls.”
The red card for Bruno Fernandes was one of the lowlights of Sunday’s meek surrender, but the Portuguese star was determined to move on and concentrate on the midweek trip to his home city.
“It’s a side that always does really well in Europe, we have to be aware of that,” Fernandes told MUTV.
“It’s a team that has a great spirit, (are) improving a lot in the last few games, even if they lost the last game in the Europa League.
“We expect a really difficult game there, but we go there to win because it’s everything that we have to think about.”
Despite the turmoil, sources close to the club insist it’s business as usual.
The team’s attention remains fixed on Thursday’s match in Portugal and Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa before the October international break.
Ten Hag‘s position has come under scrutiny, with many questioning his tactics and ability to turn the team around.
