Exclusive: Three ex-Man Utd players give their verdict on season so far & Erik ten Hag’s position

Manchester United suffered another disappointing defeat on Wednesday as Erik ten Hag’s side lost 4-3 against Copenhagen.

That was the Red Devils’ ninth loss in 17 matches this season, the club’s worst start to a campaign since the 1973/74 campaign when they were ultimately relegated. The underwhelming start has thrown up questions about the future of Ten Hag as manager, while there were also recent concerns about Bruno Fernandes’ position as captain.

ManchesterWorld spoke to three ex-United players to get their views on the team’s beginning to the season, what’s gone and how they view the positions of Ten Hag and Fernandes. 

Danny Webber, Joe Thompson and Danny Simpson all came through United’s youth system, with Webber and Simpson going on to play for the senior team during Sir Alex Ferguson’s time at the club. Speaking at the 2023 North West Football Awards earlier this week, here’s what the trio had to say about United’s current plight…

United’s start to the season

Webber: “I think from a points perspective, it’s not where United want to be. I think you only have to look at the standards the manager has set and where he wants to be competing at the top of the league. But, what I will say is that the team haven’t competed as well as they can do and are still in the mix fighting. You’re only a good run away from getting yourself into the top four and competing. Yes, it’s not where United want to be and there’s work to be done.”

Thompson: “I think from everyone’s perspective it hasn’t been good enough, there’s no question about that. But I know from the squad, the staff and everyone that is in that building, they’re more than capable. You can’t look too far from last season, that was a successful season and a step in the right direction. Ultimately, it’s about coming again, showing that ability and showing what you’re all about.”

Simpson: “I think it’s obviously been a difficult start. I think that maybe last season they overachieved. They won a cup, an FA Cup final against Man City and getting back in the Champions League. There are always going to be higher expectations and it has not gone to plan yet.”

What’s gone wrong so far?

Webber: “You have to be on the inside to try and understand the reasons why. What I will say in terms of Erik ten Hag is I think he is a good manager and he has got high standards. You have to give people time and you have to remember he has taken on the past managers’ ideas, philosophies, players, tactics and is trying to put it into his own style. Last season was a strong season and we want to build on it, and it feels a bit underwhelming because we haven’t done. But I have the faith he can turn it round if he has the time and the right support.”

Thompson: “A few injuries to certain players and a few externals, which isn’t nice when you’re a player. You want some sort of clarity and consistency. A few things he has had to deal with and also that team he has put together, the opposition get wiser to things in the second season.”

Simpson: “You’ve got to give credit to other teams who have upped their game, teams like Aston Villa. That’s why the Premier League is the best and you don’t know who is going to win; anyone can beat anyone on their day. But United have got great players - yes, there have been injuries. It’s not quite worked and they have been conceding goals and not scoring as much. When that happens it’s difficult to win matches.”

Ten Hag’s position

Webber: “You’re always three or four wins about from things being brilliant, or three or four losses away from being the worst team in the world. You’re under such scrutiny as a Manchester United player. There will always be people pulling in the right direction in every dressing room and there will always be the odd one who needs a jostle to be put in that position. It’s the manager’s job to make sure everyone is pulling for the main goal, which is Man United. Sir Alex used to say that no-one is better than the club, and I don’t think that, from the outside looking in, that has necessarily been the mantra in previous years. But this manager has come back to that and is operating on that basis, but it takes time.”

Thompson: “I think from the outside, there is a lot of noise - everyone needs to calm down a bit. He clearly knows what he’s doing and has had some challenges this season that aren’t ideal. He is doing his best and the success is proven from last season. Look at that squad, he has got world-class players in it and they’ve made some good additions last summer, players that have been successful.”

Simpson: “I think it’s tremendous what he has done. He’s already won a trophy and he is trying to bring back that winning culture and that feel that United used to have when Sir Alex was here. He has had a lot to deal with and it’s the biggest club in the world. He needs time and I don’t like that after a bad couple of results we start talking about his position. I understand the frustrations of fans. It's the toughest job to have, being a manager. Not everyone can win games and there are only four trophies and there are so many good teams. It’s about time we stuck with someone who believes in the club’s philosophy and wants to get it back to where it wants to be.”

Should Fernandes stay as captain?

Webber: “I’ve been fortunate enough to be on pre-season and see how high his standards are in and around the club. It might sound boring but he does a lot of good work. He is respected by his peers and what he is judged on by the rest of the world is what he does on a Saturday, by his emotions and his actions. I think every captain you can say they have gone over the top or there can be scrutiny that you won’t be happy with. He’s a very emotional guy and he is pulling in the right direction, he understands the magnitude of Man United and he wants United to win. You can look at it from a statistical point of view and he has created the second or third most chances in the Premier League again. He is trying to lead by example. You’re going to get the odd time, moments that are unsavoury for people, but you need to be bulletproof. He’s got to have that mentality of us against the world.”

Thompson: “I think it was the perfect answer against Fulham and ultimately that is the best way to answer critics. It was interesting when it was posed who would be the captain and I don’t think anyone said anything at the time. Bruno responded in the perfect way and it was nice to see the ball hit the back of the net.”

Simpson: “I don’t see who else it could possibly be. Whatever anyone says about him, he always gives 110 percent. He always wants to play - he’s maybe not scoring the goals like he was when he signed, but he wants to win. I know he’s a vocal presence in the dressing room, so for me there is no reason why there should be a change. It’s just people trying to create a narrative around Manchester United because it’s Manchester United.”