'Gone backwards!' - Rio Ferdinand gives Ten Hag verdict as Man Utd struggle

Tom Weber

2 Oct 2023 18:28 BST
4 min read

Rio Ferdinand, Man Utd badge, BT Sport — © ProShots

Rio Ferdinand has given his thoughts on Manchester United's fresh struggles and what they could mean for Erik ten Hag's future.

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The Red Devils appeared to have turned a corner after back-to-back wins over Burnley and Crystal Palace, but that enthusiasm quickly dissipated when Roy Hodgson's Eagles got their revenge at the weekend.

A lovely strike from Joachim Anderson downed United and plunged them back into crisis mode. Having lost five of nine competitive games this season, questions are being asked of Erik ten Hag given that the Dutchman and his side are coming off a summer of lavish spending.

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The expectation prior to the season was that Man Utd would get off to a good start now that Ten Hag has had more than enough time to get his players accustomed to his style. Few probably expected United to actually run Man City (and other title challengers) close, but there must have been plenty of hope that they could mount at least an early-season challenge for top spot.

Though it has not panned out that way and United languish in 10th, below the likes of Palace and West Ham, Rio Ferdinand still backs Ten Hag to have another successful season.

What did Ferdinand say?

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the Man Utd legend said: "At the end of last season, everyone who had watched Man Utd were saying 'they're not Man Utd and where everyone expects them to be, but you can see they're improving.'"

"We start the season, for whatever reason it's like they've gone backwards. So, you're waiting now for a response, for them to come again. Remember when he [Ten Hag] started last season - poor results early on."

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"So, you're hoping that trajectory continues [upward] again and at some point, it changes, but at the moment, I can understand where negativity comes from, I can understand why certain parts of the fanbase are booing at the stadium a little bit."

"You still need time, man. Knee-jerk reactions of 'ah, get rid of him, get rid of him' - you have got to give the guy some time. He showed that he can improve the team, improve the players, but they need to get going now."