Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is unlikely to retain his position next season, so says David James.
The Red Devils sit sixth in the Premier League table after a mixed campaign, with some calling for Ten Hag to be replaced following a series of underwhelming performances and a group-stage Champions League exit.
However, United claimed a morale-boosting victory on Sunday when Amad Diallo scored in the 121st minute to snatch a 4-3 win, after extra time, over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
But with INEOS owner Jim Ratcliffe, whose purchase of a 27.7 per cent stake in the club was ratified earlier this year, having taken charge of football operations, James believes Ten Hag will not be part of the hierarchy next year.
I think traditionally with United, the manager s job is solely dependent on qualification in the Champions League, James told Stats Perform.
I don t think they re going to qualify for the Champions League. I don t think [he’ll] be there next year on that basis to start with.
I hear him talk about good performances when they lose games or good parts in losing matches and I think this doesn t sound like Manchester United.
I ve got nothing against the person as an individual, of course, but as a manager, I m not hearing from him what I think I should be hearing about Manchester United, who are one of the biggest clubs in the world. So next season, I don t think he ll be there, as simple as that.
AFTER OVER 120 MINUTES OF BREATHLESS FOOTBALL
WE RE THE FAMOUS MAN UTD AND WE RE GOING TO WEMBLEY!!! ||
— Manchester United (@ManUtd)
Ten Hag s side lost 3-1 in the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium earlier this month, having held a 1-0 lead going into half-time courtesy of a Marcus Rashford stunner.
When asked for his thoughts on that performance, James said: I watched them. I was at the Manchester derby and it s probably one of the worst games I ve seen United play.
I know they were leading 1-0 but the last shot in the game was in the 23rd minute. That was a wonderful strike but you would argue a slightly fortuitous strike by Marcus Rashford. They were poor, very, very poor. This isn t what I expect from United.
I was doing the commentary and saying – I think it was 60-odd minutes, 65 – how is this still one all? How is this game still a draw? I just couldn t make any sense.
