Jamie Carragher makes surprise Erik ten Hag admission as Man Utd owners slammed

Jamie Carragher hasn't held back in criticizing the Manchester United hierarchy over their handling of Erik ten Hag , yet anticipates that the Dutch manager's tenure could be cut short.

Despite leading the team to their worst start ever in the Premier League era, Ten Hag finds himself still at the helm, having signed a new contract during the summer.

That said, after a disastrous season at Old Trafford, his future looks to be on the line , although he is likely to keep his job for now after top brass gathered for an emergency discussion on Tuesday. It's not the first time change has been in the air – Man United were previously in negotiations with ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, although nothing came to fruition.

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Speaking candidly to Sky Sports , Carragher suggested: "Probably find it tough to come out to the next international break. Maybe he still is the manager. Listen, if the results turn, of course he will.

"But with Man United, it's not just about results actually. For a long time, it's actually been about performances. A lot of the time, when they get results, it feels a bit fortunate in some ways.

"I think last season, it felt that Scott McTominay got so many last minute goals for them. You know sooner or later, if the performances don't improve, they can't get sustained results."

Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is reportedly being lined up to replace Ten Hag at United, with the Dutchman under increasing pressure at Old Trafford. "They might get a result here and there, that's football," Carragher added. "That's why we love the game, unexpected things can happen. The start of this season hasn't been too different in terms of performances and actually seeing the same things that we've seen last season.

"I think it will be tough for him. I have sympathy for him because I think he's been left to hang out to dry a little bit on the back of what happened in the summer with the ownership speaking to other managers."

"So I feel for him. No manager or anyone in employment would want his bosses publicly speaking to lots of different people within the game. But it's going to be tough for him to see out the season."