Jamie Carragher has predicted that Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, who received a temporary reprieve after a disappointing Premier League finish last season, may not last much longer.
Former Liverpool star Carragher has boldly predicted that Erik ten Hag will be dismissed as Manchester United manager by November. He shared this ‘hot take’ during a segment on Fan Debate for The Overlap.
United slumped to an eighth-place finish last season, their worst in the Premier League era. This put ten Hag under significant pressure. An FA Cup win provided some respite. Despite speculation, part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe chose to retain ten Hag and offered him a new contract. This contract extends until the end of the 2025-26 season.
During the discussion, Jamie Carragher stated, “Ten Hag gone by November… international break.” United fan and broadcaster Adam McKola suggested, “We’ll either win the league or [Ruud] van Nistelrooy will be our manager at Christmas. One of the two.” Carragher, however, believed the latter scenario was more likely.
Ten Hag’s team had mixed results during their pre-season tour in the United States. They secured a 3-2 win against Real Betis but suffered losses to both Arsenal and Liverpool. Their next challenge is against Manchester City in the Community Shield. Fans may see new signing Joshua Zirkzee in action. However, Leny Yoro, another new arrival, will miss the game due to a foot injury. This injury will sideline him for up to three months.
Last season’s difficulties were compounded by an injury crisis. Ten Hag is still missing several key players. Some, like Zirkzee, returned late after international duty. “Harry Maguire missed the game as a precaution. He is a question mark for Saturday,” Ten Hag said before the Community Shield. “Victor [Lindelof] played, but he is also a question mark, and so is Azza [Aaron Wan-Bissaka]. Luke Shaw too. We have to see about [them] tomorrow.”
Ten Hag mentioned that United’s players were on different training programmes to prepare for the new season. He was cautious about revealing the status of certain squad members. “From individual to individual, we will assess them and make a decision whether they start, come from the bench, or they don’t play,” he said.
Following the Community Shield, Ten Hag’s side will have just six days to prepare for their Premier League opener against Fulham on August 16.
