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Soccer

Former England striker comments on 'bizarre' Erik ten Hag situation at Man Utd

Former England striker comments on 'bizarre' Erik ten Hag situation at Man UtdAsh Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
The Dutchman may be under pressure.

Alan Shearer has hit out at Manchester United for their handling of Erik ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford.

It had been reported that the Dutchman would be sacked regardless of the outcome of the FA Cup final after the club finished in eighth in the Premier League.

However a 2-1 win over Manchester City secured Europa League football, and while the club spoke to former Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel, they decided Ten Hag was the best option.

He is now expected to be offered a two-year contract extension ahead of the new season.

Shearer believes the way that United have gone about the decision has damaged the manager’s standing.

He told Betfair: “Away from the Euros it's been confirmed that Erik ten Hag will stay on as the manager of Manchester United. 

“Considering he had a bit of a pop at pundits after the FA Cup final, it was really interesting to see him being a pundit himself on television recently. But what a mess it's been. 

“How kind of Man United to go to Ibiza and inform him that he's still wanted as the manager, and then tell him that they've even spoken to other candidates.

“It's just a bizarre situation, it's not how things should be done in football. If you are going to speak to other managers then speak to them, but keep it in house, you can't let the public know.

“To be undermined like he has done, I know they're now saying that he has their support and they want him to carry on, but from a personal and human point of view it's not the right way to treat someone.

“It takes a lot of his power away from him, will the players look at him and think he's a really strong manager and he's in a strong position? Probably not because of the way they have treated him. It was meant to be all new at Old Trafford with the very best coming in, I don't think they've got off to a good start.”

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