Jamie Carragher responds to Erik ten Hag's 'siege mentality' approach at Man Utd following criticism

Jamie Carragher believes Erik ten Hag may have produced the 'perfect response' to his recent criticism of Manchester United - but only if it is the catalyst for results.

Carragher went into great detail looking at United's 2-1 defeat against Fulham last weekend, questioning the way Ten Hag set up his team and echoing previous criticisms about having no clear plan. The former Liverpool captain has been a vocal critic of United in recent years, with the likes of Gary Neville and Roy Keane regularly in agreement.

Ten Hag hit back at Carragher specifically in his press conference earlier this week, biting back and insisting the pundit had been 'critical from the first moment'. Whether he and his players are rallied by the negativity remains to be seen, but Carragher admits he respected the response.

“As has been the case for the past few years, United are rank outsiders [to beat Manchester City on Sunday],” Carragher told The Telegraph. “They can win the game, but only by playing ‘underdog football’ with men sitting deep behind the ball and hoping to counter-attack. Nine times out 10 that is not good enough against a team of City’s ability. There is always a chance in a one-off game the strategy will work. It will need a shock result.

Watch Michael Plant’s run through of Erik ten Hag’s pre-derby press conference here.

“United fans heading to the Etihad with trepidation understand that situation is unacceptable and the team can only truly be said to be heading in the right direction when they are capable of going toe-to-toe with title challengers, imposing front-footed football. They remain miles away from that.

“My analysis on Sky’s Monday Night Football last week was intended to demonstrate why United are so inconsistent. Manager Erik ten Hag had a go back for what he perceived as unfair criticism. He felt I have been critical from day one. Actually it was from game two when his United team lost at Brentford – but it was directed at the players, not the manager.

“But fair play to him for saying what he did. I have nothing but respect and admiration for managers who defend themselves and their teams. If creating a siege mentality at United leads to positive results and improved performances, it is the perfect response.”

United have the chance to offer a perfect response on the pitch in Sunday's Manchester derby, although they will walk out at the Etihad with no left-back and no natural striker. Ten Hag will be without eight first-team players for the clash, including most recent absence Harry Maguire.