Erik ten Hag has said it is "possible" that Manchester United get relegated, following the club's latest defeat. The former United boss was speaking after the Red Devils were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea over the weekend.
Pressure Mounts on Carrick
Pressure has increased on manager Michael Carrick after a run of nine straight games without a victory. United were also thrashed 4-1 and 3-0 by Como and Bournemouth respectively a fortnight ago. Many expected Carrick to be dismissed after the Bournemouth defeat, with the former midfielder appearing to wave goodbye to the Old Trafford faithful as he left the pitch. He also raised his hands in apology to the travelling support following the loss to Cesc Fabregas' Como in the Champions League.
Survival and Chelsea Defeat
It was later revealed that Carrick would keep his job and take charge as normal against Chelsea. However, his side were beaten comfortably thanks to goals from Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, while Lisandro Martinez was sent off for two bookable offences. The defender and his manager did not acknowledge each other as the Argentine left the pitch.
Ten Hag's Warning
Ten Hag, who left United in October 2024, commented on his former club's situation as another of his successors attempts to turn their fortunes around. "In the Premier League it's certainly possible, because all the teams are simply strong," he said on ESPN NL. "They're all strong squads, all good managers. If you end up on the wrong side once and you really get into that vicious circle, then it can become very difficult."
Ten Hag is now sporting director at FC Twente, having had a short and underwhelming tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, where he succeeded now-Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso. United face Roma in the Champions League next, before a home clash with Aston Villa at the weekend, with the Red Devils sitting in 17th in the Premier League table.
