Louis van Gaal gives Erik ten Hag sack verdict and admits Man Utd boss has 'not done things fantastically'

Louis van Gaal has given his verdict on whether Erik ten Hag should be sacked.

The United hierarchy is undergoing a season review after a topsy-turvy campaign that saw the club claim their lowest-ever Premier League finish but also win the FA Cup.

The club's minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made several changes to transform the club off the pitch and there has been speculation in recent months that a similar change will come in the dugout.

However, former manager Van Gaal has insisted his compatriot Ten Hag should remain at the Old Trafford helm, despite a disappointing season.

Van Gaal, who was dismissed as United manager back in 2016 a day after winning the FA Cup, told Sky Sports: "Yes, of course (should be given more time).

“But I also needed more time at that time. I also won the FA Cup and before me 20 years nobody (at United) won the FA Cup.

“Now Erik is winning the FA Cup and the first year also (qualified for) the Champions League so I don't think you have to sack him. He needs more time.

“But I can also be more critical. He has not done things fantastically. You can raise a lot of criticism but he has also shown that he is a good manager”.

In his first season at Old Trafford Ten Hag guided United to a third-place Premier League finish, while the club won the Carabao Cup, their first piece of silverware in six years.

"Yes of course he should stay but I also needed more time" 🤔

Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says Erik ten Hag has not "done things fantastically" but should remain as boss 🔴 pic.twitter.com/ggOG3poRJq

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 8, 2024

However, this term their European campaign was over by Christmas after finishing at rock bottom of a group featuring Bayern Munich, Copenhagen and Galatasaray. Meanwhile, Newcastle knocked United out of the Carabao Cup.

The turbulent season ultimately saw them finish eighth in the table, but win the FA Cup against rivals Manchester City.

SPORTbible are on WhatsApp! We've launched a dedicated transfer news channel to send you the latest deals, rumours and more directly on WhatsApp and all you need to do to sign up is click through to our one-way broadcast channel here for 'SPORTbible News' to appear in the 'Updates' tab on your WhatsApp.