Erik ten Hag’s position at Man Utd is being questioned by some
Rio Ferdinand didn’t hold back his criticism of Manchester United’s lack of leaders after they collapsed to a 4-3 defeat at FC Copenhagen on Wednesday night. Erik ten Hag’s side are on the brink of a Champions League exit after their third loss in four games this campaign left them rock bottom of Group A.
United cruised to a 2-0 lead through Rasmus Hojlund’s early brace, but a 40th-minute red card for Marcus Rashford descended the game into chaos.
Copenhagen were level by half-time and scored twice in the final 10 minutes to cancel out Bruno Fernandes’ go-ahead penalty.
Fernandes has been on the end of criticism for his captain credentials in recent weeks, having replaced Harry Maguire in the summer.
And Ferdinand, one of countless prominent figures under Sir Alex Ferguson, relayed concerns about the leadership within Ten Hag’s squad amid their disastrous start to the season.
“Back again into crisis mode, I think that’s the way it is. It’s a rollercoaster at Man United now. I think there’s no consistency,” Ferdinand told TNT Sports.
“I was watching that game, and I was screaming at 2-0 up, Rasmus Hojlund, wow, they’ve found a hero. And then, all of a sudden, the wheels just fall off. They capitulate.
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“That just signals to me a lack of character at the moment. There’s not enough characters in there to pull the team through when they’re in a situation where there’s a bit of adversity, or they’re under a bit of duress.
“They haven’t got those leaders and characters to get them through – or they haven’t got enough leaders and characters to pull them through in those moments. And that’s what you need.
“It doesn’t come down to ability in those situations. Away at Copenhagen, I’ve been there, we got beat 1-0 when I was there. But this is far too often we’re seeing this happen.”
Ferdinand isn’t the first ex-United player to question the club’s current lack of leaders and characters in the dressing room.
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Many, including Roy Keane, have expressed doubts over Fernandes’ ability to captain the side, criticising the Portuguese maestro’s demeanour when United’s backs are against the wall.
And Marcel Sabitzer, at United on loan in the second half of last season, also indirectly added to those doubts by snubbing Fernandes and Maguire when assessing Ten Hag’s leaders this week.
“I feel sorry for them because they’re all good guys and extremely hungry for success,” Sabitzer told The Athletic.
“Casemiro, Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez – they are leaders that provide structure and stability to the team.”
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