Underfire Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag receives Gary Neville support ahead of crucial Bayern Munich tie

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been getting a lot of stick for the team’s performances lately, with United on the brink of elimination from the Champions League. The team’s loss against Bournemouth seemed to be the final straw for the United boss, but it is certain that ten Hag still has a bit of time to prove.

Manchester United host Bayern Munich in the last round of group stage matches in the Champions League, with Bayern already qualified and comfortable at the top and Manchester United at the bottom of Group A with complete dependence on the other fixture for qualification. However, amidst the chaos, Ten Hag has received much-needed support from Gary Neville.

Manchester United legend comes in Erik Ten Hag’s defence

Manchester United come from a dreadful 0-3 defeat at home against Bournemouth, which even led to an apology from the club captain, and are in everyone’s spotlight ahead of their UCL tie against Bayern. 

Elimination from the group stage and this far from the top four in the league would generally call for the manager to be sacked, but it seems like Ten Hag has backing in the dressing room and from the pundits.

Manchester United legend Gary Neville has come forward in backing ten Hag to do well against Bayern and believes that sacking ten Hag would not solve anything. Neville stated that “This idea of sacking him is an absolute nonsense. I wouldn’t be in favour of that anyway”.

Neville hopes that Erik ten Hag can turn around the season and build up on the project but also acknowledges that he will be in trouble if he can’t, as the sacking would be “inevitable.”

United in sticky situation ahead of crunch Bayern tie

Bayern Munich have had problems of their own this season, and with their 5-1 loss to Frankfurt on Saturday, Manchester United might have a glimmer of hope ahead of their tie. However, United are in a far bigger crisis, as their defensive collapse against Galatasaray has put them in a pickle.

The Red Devils go into the match with a do or die situation, while also hoping that Galatasaray and Copenhagen play out a draw in the other fixture. But before peeping at the other match, United have the mighty Bavarians to look after.

Bayern Munich are unbeaten in 39 Champions League group stage games, winning 35 and drawing four. This season, they have won four and drawn one. On the other hand, Man United have conceded 14 goals in the group stage this season, only Royal Antwerp have conceded more.

While all dials point towards Man United’s elimination, club captain Bruno Fernandes remains optimistic about their qualification to the next round.

Will premature elimination from the Champions League mean the end for Erik ten Hag? Let us know in the comments.