Manchester United have five players in trouble if Erik ten Hag lands job | Football | Sport

Manchester United chief Richard Arnold, according to reports, is in agreement with Ralf Rangnick when it comes to potentially hiring Erik ten Hag as the club’s next manager. While Mauricio Pochettino has long been seen as the frontrunner to take over at Old Trafford, it’s his Ajax counterpart who appears to have the backing of the club’s key figures. Express Sport will now take a look at five players who could be in trouble should the Dutchman end up securing the role.

Anthony Martial

Anthony Martial is currently on loan at Sevilla.

United agreed to let the France international go out on loan because they felt he’d benefit from a temporary spell at Old Trafford, especially with his confidence in tatters.

Martial has made a positive start to life with the La Liga outfit, putting in a sublime display in their 2-0 win over Elche on Friday.

Yet while he’s got talent, this ship has sailed.

Ten Hag will only want players fully dedicated to the cause and, while Martial has been professional, he’s often struggled to overcome obstacles.

Therefore, it’s hard to see him hanging around if Ten Hag gets the job. Pochettino, however, may be more inclined to give him a second chance given he wanted him during his spell at Tottenham.

THINK YOU KNOW SPORT? Test your sporting knowledge with our tricky quiz

Nemanja Matic

Ten Hag has built at Ajax midfield with the perfect blend of youth and experience.

They’re all technically-gifted players who are capable of controlling the ball, while also having the energy to track back.

Therefore, it’s likely Nemanja Matic will be shown the door should Ten Hag become the next manager of United at the end of the campaign.

The Serb’s best days are behind him, with the 33-year-old certainly on the wane.

Ten Hag will want to freshen up the club’s midfield so, consequently, Matic may be allowed to leave after five years with the Red Devils.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ten Hag has previously praised Cristiano Ronaldo, labelling the Portugal international as one of the ‘best’ players in the world.

Like Matic, however, the years are starting to catch up to him.

United feel pressured to play Ronaldo because of his age but the brutal truth is that, with a stronger manager in charge, he’d spend more time on the bench than in the side at present.

The fact he’s on six games without a goal suggests all isn’t well with the 37-year-old.

And given Ten Hag likes a speedy and enterprising frontline, Ronaldo would certainly be an odd one out.