Former midfielder Paul Scholes insists Manchester United need to stand by manager Erik ten Hag, despite the club’s disappointing start to the season.
Wednesday night’s 4-3 defeat to FC Copenhagen at Parken Stadium marked United’s ninth defeat in just 17 games this season, leaving their hopes of progressing to the last-16 of the Champions League hanging by a thread. They are currently bottom of Group A after three defeats in four games.
United, realistically, need to win both of their last two matches to stand any chance of reaching the knockout stages. They face Galatasaray in Turkey later this month before welcoming group winners Bayern Munich to Old Trafford on December 12.
The defeat in Denmark marked a third defeat in four matches for the Reds, in which they have conceded 10 goals. It means the pressure loaded on Ten Hag’s shoulders is now at an all-time high.
However, Scholes is adamant that United must refrain from sacking the Dutchman, insisting he has enough credit in the bank from last season to be given the opportunity to turn things around. He also felt he was “unlucky” with the manner of the defeat to Copenhagen, who played around an hour of the game with an extra man after Marcus Rashford was sent-off towards the end of the first half.
Scholes told TNT Sports: “I still don’t think there is that much pressure on him. He had a good year and I think he has bought himself a little bit of time in that respect.
“He’s had a few injuries, but nine defeats in 17 games is not good enough. All of those managers have been sacked in that second or third year, but I don’t think we can afford to do that anymore.
“I think we have got to let this fella go with it, he’s been good up until this point. He’s a little bit unlucky tonight, you have to say that.”
On the manner of the defeat, Scholes, though he was encouraged by United’s effort and commitment, thought they were light on leadership.
He added: “They will play a lot better teams than Copenhagen, but I thought there was a little bit of fight there – but they are lacking that leadership.”
