Former Premier League and Newcastle star Alan Shearer has expressed his sympathy for Erik ten Hag following his departure from Manchester United. Shearer believes that while Ten Hag may have had his shortcomings, the players also played a role in his downfall. The tension between Shearer and Ten Hag dates back to their confrontation after the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, where Ten Hag criticized pundits for being unfair to him and the United squad. Shearer, on the other hand, argued that the performance against City was not indicative of the team’s overall performance throughout the season.
During an interview with Betfair, Shearer acknowledged that some players did not perform up to their potential under Ten Hag’s management. He pointed out that despite winning the League Cup and FA Cup, the team did not show significant progress after the FA Cup final. Shearer highlighted the lack of a clear playing style and identity for the team, which may have caused uncertainty among the players. Additionally, he mentioned that some players did not live up to expectations despite the club’s significant investment in them.
As United prepare to face Leicester City in the Carabao Cup under temporary manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, the search for Ten Hag’s permanent successor is underway. Reports suggest that Sporting boss Ruben Amorim is close to being appointed as the new United manager, with the club willing to pay his release clause of £8.3m (€10m).
The situation at Manchester United highlights the challenges that managers face in balancing the expectations of the club, the players, and the fans. It also underscores the importance of clear communication, player development, and effective recruitment in building a successful team. As fans await the official announcement of the new manager, it remains to be seen how the team will respond to the changes and whether they can regain their winning form.