Shrishh Attavar
Gary Neville underlines Liverpool games as vital for Erik ten Hag to secure future at Manchester United
Gary Neville’s assessment of the pivotal nature of Manchester United’s upcoming fixtures against Liverpool highlights the immense pressure facing Erik ten Hag as the club’s manager. With United’s recent struggles in the Premier League and mounting speculation surrounding Ten Hag’s future, the matches against Liverpool in the FA Cup and Premier League have taken on added significance in determining the trajectory of the season and, potentially, Ten Hag’s tenure at the club.
United’s recent form, including defeats to Fulham and Manchester City, has intensified scrutiny on Ten Hag, with the team languishing in sixth place in the Premier League standings and facing a significant gap to the top four. The prospect of missing out on Champions League qualification looms large, further fueling speculation about a managerial change under the new ownership.
The away fixture against Liverpool earlier this season saw ETH and Co. miraculously return to Old Trafford with a point in hand. While it was surprising given our last visit there was a 7-0 overkill, with 10 men defending, we managed to keep Jurgen Klopp’s side at bay.
Nevertheless, here is what Neville had to say via Manchester Evening News:
“We’ve got Liverpool at home twice, I think those games can be your friend or massive enemy.”
“If you’re losing at home to Liverpool, away at Liverpool is bad but you’ve only got a couple of thousand United fans in the corner. When you’ve got 73,000 in that stadium against Liverpool twice, if Liverpool come and do us, I do think them games are defining – the season is (could be) over.”
“If we beat Liverpool in the cup, the atmosphere will be electric it’ll be amazing, if we do alright against Liverpool in the league – it’s a big ask – I think they are games that can give us impetus and give Ten Hag a lift.”
“If we lose against Liverpool twice, the atmosphere… the season would be over with two months to go, it could be dead and be bad for perception. He (Ten Hag) is (on trial).”
Have to do it twice against the Scousers!
Neville underscores the unique atmosphere and stakes associated with facing Liverpool, particularly in two high-profile encounters at Old Trafford. The home advantage and passionate support of United’s fans add an additional layer of significance to these fixtures, amplifying both the potential for redemption and the consequences of unfavourable results.
The former United captain emphasizes the potential consequences of adverse outcomes against Liverpool, suggesting that defeats in both fixtures could have dire implications for the remainder of the campaign. With United’s season teetering on the brink, a pair of losses against their arch-rivals could deepen the crisis and further erode morale among players and supporters alike.
Having said that, the prospect of triumphing over a formidable opponent like Liverpool at Old Trafford carries immense significance, not only in terms of points but also as a statement of intent and resilience.
Imagine the rattle. League-leading Liverpool lost twice to an underperforming Manchester United side. Amidst the uncertainty and pressure surrounding his tenure, Ten Hag faces a defining moment in his managerial career and if he manages to beat the Merseysiders, absolutely nothing like it.
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The outcome of these critical fixtures against Liverpool will not only shape United’s season but also determine the narrative of Ten Hag’s tenure at the club. As the stakes reach unprecedented heights, United must rise to the occasion and deliver performances worthy of their weight.
