Shay Given offers interesting theory as to why Erik ten Hag is struggling this season

"There is a disconnect."

Former Republic Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has offered an interesting theory as to why Erik ten Hag is struggling at Manchester United this season. Following United's 3-0 defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup last night, making it two consecutive losses with that scoreline, ten Hag is under immense pressure at the club.

Gary Neville questions Erik ten Hag's position as manager for the first time.

It's the first time that his position as really came under threat, especially after such a promising first season last year, but even Gary Neville admitted that he needs to make changes soon. “Man Utd players were complaining to the ref, whinging, and while they were whinging Newcastle were attacking. It is schoolboy stuff, under-9s,” fumed Neville. “Man Utd fans were probably expecting what they are seeing. Every team that came here this season should have got something. “I don’t know where he [Ten Hag] starts picking a side next, as none of them can really say they deserve to play.

“People now come to Old Trafford thinking they can beat Man Utd,” said ex-Manchester United striker Cole. “There are going to be questions about the manager, Man Utd were really poor. The players need to take a good look at themselves.

“When you see performances like this, you have to ask ‘what is going on here?’ If he doesn’t get results in the next couple of games, fans’ attitudes towards Ten Hag can change very quickly.”

Shay Given offers interesting theory why Erik ten Hag is struggling this season.

Given, who was also covering the match, gave an interesting theory as to why the manager isn't having the same success that he did last season. “It feels there is a divide between the players and the manager. There appears to be a real fallout behind the scenes. “The players have to take responsibility but it seems at the end of a manager’s tether, there is a disconnect. He has spent £411m and that is his team. Where do they go from here? Do the board and directors have a lot of thinking to do? “I think they will be. It is not good enough for a club this size and the manager has to take the final flak.” Related links:

• Man United star was so bad against Newcastle, even Gary Neville blamed him instead of Glazers
• Erik ten Hag refuses to give up on under fire Man United star
• Micah Richards on the Man United players that would make City's squad