Marco van Basten has cast serious doubts on whether Erik ten Hag might be having second thoughts on taking on the Manchester United job after witnessing their diabolical performance in losing 4-0 to Liverpool on Tuesday.
The Dutchman is on the brink of being formally announced as United’s new manager, agreeing a three-year deal. With Fabrizio Romano giving the move his ‘Here We Go’ seal of approval, Ten Hag will soon make his move from Ajax official.
However, the 52-year-old clearly has a huge job on his hands. The United side he inherits are a club in disarray and badly under-performing. That’s despite their annual net spending seriously dwarving Liverpool’s since Jurgen Klopp’s appointment.
His first priority will likely to be to shore up a defence that has already leaked 48 goals in 33 games. It’s their worst defensive run in 43 years – and worst might still be to come.
Incredibly, that tally is three higher than relegation-haunted Burnley; so clearly the only way is up.
Over the long-term, United will be hoping Ten Hag can help them close the gap on both Liverpool and City. To illustrate just how far they have fallen, Graeme Souness has made a worrying comparison between United and Tuesday’s conquerors Liverpool.
For obvious reasons, Ten Hag’s appointment at United has drawn serious interest in the Netherlands.
Analysing the difficult job he faces, Dutch legend Marco van Basten reckons Ten Hag may even be having second thoughts about the job.
“The difference between Liverpool and Manchester United is huge,” Van Basten said in the Ziggo Sport studio. “They walk around like beaten people. This is one of the biggest clubs in England and not one of them really gets excited.”
He added: “You have to start wondering if Manchester United might have doubts about Erik ten Hag. Or maybe Erik ten Hag is having doubts about Manchester United?
“I think this is sad to see for such a big club.”
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