INEOS’ Manchester United challenge laid bare by “tired” Gary Neville
Sky SportsManchester United may soon be at a crossroads with new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and his INEOS group, potentially facing a big decision over Erik ten Hag’s future.
That was the glum view of United legend Gary Neville, who admits his former side’s inconsistency this season has left him “tired”, following their 3-1 defeat to Man City.
A brace from Phil Foden, and a goal from Erling Haaland, rendered Marcus Rashford’s first half screamer a mere consolation, as City moved to within one point of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
Neville on Manchester United’s Erik Ten Hag decision
Neville’s former United team-mate Roy Keane feels question marks are growing around Ten Hag’s position at United, particularly with the scrutiny of new ownership.
And Neville feels they could have a big decision to make over the Dutchman’s future if there is not progress at United between now and the end of the season.
“We have obviously talked about this night and day for much of our lives. We are just tired, Kelly,” Neville said on Sky Sports when asked if United have got value for money out of their signings under Ten Hag.
“There is the Pep and Klopp factors of these two unbelievable managers who completely get the best out of their teams and there is an element of when they are still here, you can’t compete against them.
“I come back to the fact of: Are we on the right journey? Are we going in the right direction? Can you see a style of play or a performance level where there is something building?
“Last season was really good in the sense of winning a trophy, getting back into the Champions League and getting to an FA Cup final. I think there were a lot of good foundations to build on for Erik ten Hag.
“I would have expected this season, not to win the league, but not to be in sixth and so far off. That’s the problem. They have lost 11 games in the league and their performances are inconsistent.
“It is that element of does this just happen in his second season and he needs a third season to get it right? Or, actually, is this just where they are and is this just what he is?
“That is the challenge INEOS and Jim Ratcliffe will have in terms of thinking: ‘Where are we at in this journey and what does the future look like?”