Is Erik ten Hag in trouble? Rio Ferdinand gives verdict on whether Man Utd boss will be sacked as Old Trafford legend claims there's 'a lot of moving parts' to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's decision

Following United's 2-1 defeat to Fulham, there have been growing concerns about the team's progress under Ten Hag. Ratcliffe's arrival and the ongoing restructuring at the club have cast further doubt on the coach's future at Old Trafford. Should United fail to finish strongly, Ferdinand believes that Ratcliffe and his team may not hesitate to make a change in management.

Ferdinand speaking on FIVE said: "If he runs it close [to finishing in the top four], if they see an upturn in form and the environment at the training ground and can see something where 'we can see what it looks like going into next season if we add the right pieces to it'... a lot of moving parts have to fall into place for him to stay.

"If they don't finish the season well, they're losing games and it looks like the dressing room isn't a harmonious place, one thing I would say is I don't think Jim Ratcliffe and his team are shy of making big decisions. It won't be a big thing for them if they had to [sack him]. I don't think they look at it and go 'We've got to work out the media and PR'. No, no. What's right for Man United now? We'll do."

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher also hit out at Ten Hag on Monday Night Football and questioned the manager's lack of tactical acumen during the Fulham defeat. Ferdinand echoed the thoughts of Carragher and said: "If you coach a team, you're not just coaching 11 – it's everyone in the squad. So when they come in, they should all have their roles and responsibilities to be able to implement a certain way of playing. Man United just don't have a style of play at the moment, where you go 'that is them'.

"Look at all the best teams, you know how they play. [Manchester] City, [Ange] Postecoglou – you know how his team is going to play. [Mikel] Arteta – you know how his team is going to play."

Injuries have compounded the challenges for Ten Hag this season, with key players like Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia, and Lisandro Martinez still unavailable. With only 12 league games left in the season, Ten Hag faces a critical period to demonstrate his capabilities to the club's new owners. The Red Devils will be back in action in the FA Cup fifth round against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday before they take on derby rivals Manchester City on Sunday in a blockbuster Premier League clash.