Man Utd players accused of 'hiding' behind Erik ten Hag after difficult start to new season as ex-Arsenal star claims it's a 'pity' to see how far club has fallen over the last decade

United were beaten by Brighton and Liverpool in consecutive Premier League matches which put the Dutch manager under the spotlight once again. However, after the international break, there are signs of recovery as they have picked up two consecutive victories, including a a resounding 7-0 win in the Carabao Cup against Barnsley.

INEOS have shown patience with Ten Hag despite an eighth-place finish in the league standings last campaign and also backed the manager with crucial summer signings. Petit believes that it is now time for the players to pull up their socks and turn up for their manager.

In an interview with BetMGM, Petit said: "I don’t agree with all of the criticism around Erik ten Hag. I actually look at the players there and think they are hiding behind him. I don’t like it. These are players with real pedigree and they hide behind him instead of fronting up and doing a job for the team."

Since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, United have tried their luck with four permanent managers and three interim coaches. However, their efforts have been in vain as the glory days of Old Trafford remain out of reach. Although Petit agreed that frequent managerial changes do make the job difficult, he urged the players to take more responsibility to turn around the fortunes of the club.

“It’s so hard for a club when they keep changing managers as much as Manchester United have," Petit admitted.

"It’s such a pity to see the club in the state it’s in. The Premier League needs Manchester United back at its best and it starts with the players. Yes, the manager is responsible for a lot of things and so are the board for getting it right in the transfer market, but at the end of the day it’s the responsibility of the players on the pitch and they haven’t been good enough for some time now.”

After a moral-boosting 7-0 win over Barnsley, United will look to continue with their revival when they make the trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace.