- Van Gaal admits Erik ten Hag has disappointed in a dismal season at Old Trafford
- Ten Hag’s future at Man United remains in doubt amid end-of-season review
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Louis van Gaal admitted Erik ten Hag has not ‘done things fantastically’ at Manchester United and had his say on whether his Dutch compatriot should be sacked or not
The Red Devils are in the midst of an end-of-season review which, when concluded, could see the boss given the axe following a disappointing league campaign.
The club’s minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made a number of significant changes to transform the club off the field and there has been rampant speculation in recent months that a similar change will come in the dugout.
However former boss Van Gaal says Ten Hag should remain at Old Trafford even though he was fired as United’s boss straight after winning the FA Cup in 2016.
‘Yes, of course (should be given more time). But I also needed more time at that time. I also won the FA Cup and before me 20 years nobody (at Man United) won the FA Cup,’ he said speaking to Sky Sports.
‘Now Erik is winning the FA Cup and the first year also (qualified for) the Champions League so I don’t think you have to sack him. He need more time.
‘But I can also be more critical. He has not done things fantastically. You can raise a lot of criticism but he has also shown that he is a good manager’.
After a strong first season in charge after joining from Ajax, which saw Ten Hag guide United to a third place finish in the Premier League and Carabao Cup success, United have slipped backwards.
Their European campaign was over by Christmas after they finished bottom of a group featuring Bayern Munich, Copenhagen and Galatasaray, while Newcastle knocked them out the Carabao Cup.
The turbulent campaign then saw the Red Devils finish eighth in the table, their worst ever Premier League finish.
United eventually secured silverware the the end as they beat rivals Manchester City to claim their 13th FA Cup.
The poor season came after more considerable investment in Ten Hag’s squad with an initial £64million spent on striker Rasmus Hojlund, £55m on midfielder Mason Mount and £43.8m on goalkeeper Andre Onana.
England boss Gareth Southgate is reportedly United’s top choice to replace Ten Hag if they decide to fire the Dutchman this summer.