Manchester United cult hero Nani has highlighted two issues that an under-fire Erik ten Hag currently faces with his underperforming Red Devils squad this season.
Former Ajax manager Ten Hag is under mounting pressure to turn the tide at United after a disappointing run of form and results in the 2023-24 campaign.
The 53-year-old Dutchman was widely credited for his debut season at United, with Ten Hag leading his side to the Carabao Cup trophy and a top-four league finish.
However, Ten Hag’s position at United now appears precarious and some pundits have even named potential successors for the Dutchman if he is sacked by the club.
READ MORE: Furious Man Utd fans all saying same thing over Antony’s performance against Newcastle
Nani on United’s current issues
Ten Hag was forced to watch on as his side were dismantled by a clinical Manchester City in United’s 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford on Sunday.
United’s Carabao Cup title defence then came to an end after Ten Hag’s men crashed out of the competition in a 3-0 defeat to Newcastle on Wednesday.
The Red Devils were met with fierce criticism over their performance in the last 16 against Eddie Howe’s men, with United simply outclassed by Newcastle on the night.
Nani enjoyed plenty of success during his time at United and lifted four Premier League titles, a Champions League and two League Cups while at Old Trafford.
The 36-year-old Portuguese winger, who currently plays for Super Lig side Adana Demirspor, has identified the key problems at United at the moment.
Speaking to B24, Nani said: “When you watch Manchester [United] play, you see there’s no spirit of sacrifice, there isn’t that determination, there isn’t a player who says, ‘We have to win! We have to run with the ball and put it in the back of the net.’”
Nani is right on United
Nani isn’t far off the mark with his feelings about United at the moment, especially as many fans will probably echo the former Red Devils winger’s sentiments.
The Newcastle tie was a clear-cut example of United lacking a “spirit of sacrifice” and a real lack of determination to fight back was also present at Old Trafford.
While Ten Hag has faced criticism as the manager of this United side, it has equally been responsible for the current crop of players to show some real resilience.
The United manager’s side will now travel to Craven Cottage on Saturday for their Premier League clash with Fulham, with kick-off slated for 12:30pm UK time.
Ten Hag will have to do everything in his power to avoid a third consecutive defeat for United, with the Dutchman under serious pressure to respond to his critics.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
