Ten Hag has faced one of his more difficult weeks at United following back-to-back 3-0 defeats against Manchester City and Newcastle. MEN Sport understands some players are growing weary of the manager&aposs project and are uncertain about the direction the club is heading in.
This has created speculation around Ten Hag&aposs job security and has added pressure to United&aposs clash with Fulham this lunchtime with the Reds now desperate for a result. Evaluating the current situation at the Theatre of Dreams, Ferdinand told TNT Sports he believes the pressure mounting on the Dutchman is correct.
He explained: “I think he is [rightly coming under pressure], yes. As a player, we all used to think that we were the reason why Manchester United were winning everything, wed look at each other and think we were the best.
“But then Sir Alex Ferguson would walk through the door, and youd instantly recognise that he was a massive part of us as a team – and thats true. The manager has a pivotal role in winning matches, getting silverware, turning around situations at the football club like this one.
“Hes there to dictate everything and hes under scrutiny right now for that reason. He has to take responsibility as well, recruitment is another huge thing he has control over and the players havent been good enough and thats partly down to him as well.
“Antony, a massive fee paid for him, hes not been good enough. Not just for the fee, but for a Manchester United player. I dont just want to pick out him either, theres many more than just him.
“This season, its such a shame because its gone from a bit of optimism at the end of last season to almost disbelief at the state of them now – it is a crisis and its only a crisis because of the size of the club.”
When asked how United can fix the issues which currently plight them, Ferdinand believes a full overhaul is needed. “I think its a reset of the entire culture around the club,” he added.
“There also has to be consequences for bad performances – theres been far too many times that a player has performed badly and then played the next game. If theyre not worried, theyll start taking the mick.
“Theyll think: Ha, Ill be alright, Ill still play next week, and theres no pressure on them to perform. Whether thats down to injuries, or whether thats down to the manager, that has to change.”
