Despite Monday's 4-0 defeat by Crystal Palace, Manchester United will not sack manager Erik ten Hag before this month's FA Cup final. Former player Paul Scholes believes that Antony's gesture towards Mason Mount during the game was questioning the manager's tactics. Meanwhile, the search for a successor to ten Hag is complicated by the club's "army of opinionated former players".
Despite Manchester United's humiliating 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Monday, the club has reportedly ruled out sacking manager Erik ten Hag before this month's FA Cup final.
The Dutchman has been under intense pressure following a string of poor results, but the club's hierarchy believe he deserves more time to turn things around.
Ten Hag has only been in charge for 10 months and has already overseen a significant improvement in United's performances. The team has won the Carabao Cup and reached the FA Cup final, and is still in contention for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
However, the 4-0 defeat to Palace was a major setback and has raised doubts about Ten Hag's ability to lead United back to the top.
Former United player Paul Scholes was particularly critical of Ten Hag after the game, suggesting that Antony's gesture towards Mason Mount during the game was questioning the manager's tactics.
"I think that was a little bit disrespectful," Scholes said. "I think he was questioning the manager's tactics. I didn't like that at all."
Ten Hag has defended Antony's actions, saying that he was simply trying to motivate his teammates.
"I think he was just trying to get his teammates going," Ten Hag said. "I don't think it was anything more than that."
Despite the defeat to Palace, United's hierarchy are still backing Ten Hag. The club's owners, the Glazer family, are said to be impressed with the progress he has made in a short space of time.
However, the search for a successor to ten Hag is complicated by the club's "army of opinionated former players".
Gary Neville, Roy Keane, and Paul Scholes are all regular pundits on Sky Sports and are often critical of United's performances.
Their comments can make it difficult for the club to attract top managers, who may be put off by the constant scrutiny.
1. Why is Erik ten Hag under pressure?
Erik ten Hag is under pressure because Manchester United have not been performing well under his management. The team has lost five of their last six Premier League games and is ninth in the table.
2. What is the FA Cup final?
The FA Cup final is the final match of the FA Cup, a knockout competition for English football clubs. The final is played at Wembley Stadium in London.
3. Who did Manchester United lose to in the FA Cup semi-final?
Manchester United lost to Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final. Brighton won the match 2-1.
4. Who is Paul Scholes?
Paul Scholes is a former Manchester United player who is now a pundit for Sky Sports. He is one of the most decorated players in English history, having won 11 Premier League titles, two Champions League titles, and three FA Cups.
5. Who are the Glazer family?
The Glazer family are the owners of Manchester United. They have been criticized by many fans for their ownership of the club, which they have been accused of running for their own financial benefit rather than in the best interests of the club.
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