Former Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has expressed his surprise that Erik ten Hag is still at the club, given their poor start to the season.
United have lost four of their opening seven Premier League matches, and are currently tenth of the table. This has led to calls for Ten Hag to be sacked, but the club’s hierarchy have so far backed the Dutchman.
Ibrahimovic, who played for United from 2016 to 2018, believes that Ten Hag is under increasing pressure to deliver results.
“Coming from Ajax to United as he did is a big difference. I have been in both clubs, you have a different kind of discipline. Ajax is a talented club, you don’t have big stars.” Ibrahimovic said.
“What is the experience of this coach? Young talents. He comes to United, he has big stars. Can he handle them?” Ibrahimovic added.
Ibrahimovic also questioned whether Ten Hag has fully adapted to life at Old Trafford.
“How much time do you give a coach? It depends on the owners, what they want,” he said.
“But if you listen to the fans, you don’t have a lot of time, because they want to win, and I understand them because they are used to winning and they want to still win.” he added.
Ten Hag has faced criticism for his handling of the squad, and his decision to drop Casemiro for the recent match against Brentford. Ibrahimovic believes that the Dutchman needs to find a way to get the best out of his players.
“He needs to find a way to get the players to perform. If he doesn’t, then he will be under pressure. It’s as simple as that.” Ibrahimovic said.
It remains to be seen whether Ten Hag will be given time to turn things around at United. However, Ibrahimovic’s comments suggest that the Dutchman is already under pressure to deliver results.
