ERIK TEN HAG has been slammed by a Manchester United legend for not improving the club’s performances.
The Red Devils were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday night.
It leaves United winless from their opening three matches and 21st in the league phase standings.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag’s side are also in the bottom half of the Premier League eight games into his third season as manager.
Following their draw in Turkey, Paul Scholes was asked if he has seen any improvement in style or performances so far this term.
The 11-time Premier League winner told TNT Sports: “No, not yet.
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“I think they have played in spells where they’ve looked okay. They have missed a lot of chances as well.
“But I think league position tells you everything. And I’m talking about both leagues, 11th in the Premier League, 21st in the Europa League.
“There’s been no improvement. I think that’s the biggest disappointment with two and a little bit years in, a lot of money has been spent and we’re not seeing improvement.
“You’d like to think by now they’re up there challenging them. The top three teams I know Liverpool, City and Arsenal are ahead of most other teams.
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“You’d like to see them getting even a little bit closer to that, but it doesn’t feel like it.
“I do actually think on Saturday they got closer to having the best team out, which has been a while.
“I think Luke Shaw still needs to come into that. They’ve got the young lad Leny Yoro who will probably come into that.
“Mainoo back into midfield and I thought there were signs, second half especially, that they scored two really good goals which excited you. So look fingers crossed they can go on and improve.”
United were pegged back during the second half in Istanbul after Christian Eriksen’s early opener.
They also had Andre Onana to thank after a pair of stunning saves to deny the hosts.
Sitting in 21st, United are only in the play-off places on goal difference and could drop out of the Europa League altogether.
They are next in European action at home to PAOK on November 7.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag takes his side to London to face West Ham this Sunday, with the club 12th after three defeats already this term.
Man Utd ratings vs Fenerbahce: Onana saves the day for Red Devils as Lindelof has a stinker
MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 1-1 draw by Fenerbahce on a disappointing night in Turkey.
Christian Eriksen broke the deadlock for Erik ten Hag’s side in the first half before En-Nesyri levelled soon after the break.
Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho was sent to the stands in the second half after a touchline tantrum.
But the Red Devils could find a much-needed winner for Erik ten Hag.
SunSport’s Emillia Hawkins rates the performances…
Andre Onana – 7
Made an outstanding double save in the 37th minute to keep two attempts from Youssef En-Nesyri out.
His defenders could’ve done much better to prevent Fenerbahce’s goal.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Failed to track back at times and had his blushes saved in the first half by Ugarte, who made a crucial tackle on Dusan Tadic to prevent a goal.
Matthijs de Ligt – 6
Made some good blocks during the first half to keep Fenerbahce at bay.
Missed a few chances from set-pieces after the break.
Victor Lindelof – 4
Failed to follow En-Nesyri for Fenerbahce’s opening goal and made no attempt to win the ball.
Hauled off in the 54th minute.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Like Lindelof, he did not apply any pressure to En-Nesyri for the hosts’ first goal. Poor communication from both.
Christian Eriksen – 7
Broke the deadlock for United with a great strike into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Won the ball in the build-up to the first goal and saved Man Utd from conceding with a fantastic last-ditch tackle in front of goal in the 22nd minute.
Was lucky to avoid giving away a penalty after the break.
Noussair Mazraoui – 6
Didn’t look too out of place starting in the No10 position. Played a role in the build-up to the goal, passing the ball to Zirkzee who got the assist.
Eventually moved into left-back, allowing Martinez to move central.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Played out of preferred position and started on the right as opposed to the left.
Didn’t make too much of an impact on the game.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Played a key role in the build-up to Erikson’s goal by making a direct run into the box.
Challenged Dominik Livakovic a few times and looked lively.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
A poor overall performance from the striker despite providing the assist for Eriksen’s opener.
Failed to make much of an impact and was hauled off in the 54th minute.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
