‘The fans are fed up’: Former Red details his stance on Ten Hag’s potential sacking by drawing on Arsenal decision

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Posted May 24 2024, 11:15 by Isabel Ryan

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag applauds the fans after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford on May 15, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Former Manchester United full-back Paul Parker has urged the club to continue with Erik ten Hag at the reins amidst uncertainty over his future.

As it stands, the Red Devils’ full focus is on Saturday’s highly-anticipated FA Cup final against fierce rivals Manchester City, but speculation surrounding United suggests the hierarchy have begun their search for Ten Hag’s potential successor.

There was an uprise in the rumours after it was confirmed on Tuesday that Mauricio Pochettino, who has found himself heavily linked with the Old Trafford hot seat in the past, had mutually agreed to part ways with Chelsea following a generally underwhelming season, although they did finish higher than United.

Indeed, United recorded a lowest-ever Premier League finish in eighth place – a whole 31 points away from eventual winners City. They scored just 57 goals, the lowest of any team in the top 10, and conceded 58, finishing with a goal difference of minus one.

Parker backs Ten Hag

Still, Parker has advised Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co. to keep the faith in the Dutchman.

“I personally would stick with him,” the ex-player said, as cited by Yahoo Sport. “If you change the manager, that means a whole new coaching staff. It would be ‘rinse and start again’.

“There would be too many changes too quickly – and there would still be a lot of deadwood [players] left there.”

“I think the fans are fed up with it now,” he continued. “If there was another change, it would be back to square one, they would get even more bitter and twisted about it.

“As much as anyone is talking about all these different names [of potential new managers], I don’t really get it.

“We know already that continuity is massively key – even success with a manager is short-lived now because people get bored of things quicker than they used to a few years ago.

“Arsenal stuck with Mikel Arteta and he has given Arsenal fans a little bit of fun over the last couple of seasons, so the clubs that stick with managers do get a little bit of joy.”