Alan Shearer expresses sincere Man Utd ‘sympathy’ and blasts lack of leadership

Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer has admitted he is sympathetic towards Erik ten Hag after Manchester United suffered yet another defeat this season, their third in the first five matches.

That’s something that has never happened to any United side since the Premier League began and it comes amid many issues off the pitch, including the on-off sale by the Glazers, allegations made against Antony and the situation around Mason Greenwood’s return to football.

It’s the uncertainty surrounding the ownership of the club that prompted Shearer to suggest he felt sorry for the United boss as he feels that is now beginning to drip down to the team and having an impact on performances.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Shearer said: “I do have a little bit of sympathy with Erik ten Hag with all the serious external issues that are going on. And of course, as we know, everything eventually filters down onto the pitch from the top.

“Is it for sale, is it not for sale? Leadership... where is that coming from? So I do have a little bit of sympathy. They just need to know. The fans need to know, he needs to know what on earth is going on at the football club because it all comes down onto the football pitch and it’s starting to happen now.”

Ten Hag says he is now looking for a reaction from his team as they head into Champions League action away to Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.

“Now we have to see how strong we are, how the team sticks together and which players are standing up and showing the character and leading the team,” he said.

“Because in all the games, all the games but especially the games today, against Arsenal and Forest, we have seen we can play very good and we can create a lot of chances. But, yes, there are also some improvements to make. That is definitely the case and now we have to step up.”