Erik ten Hag told he 'needs to go' by Jaap Stam as former Man Utd defender questions Red Devils' playing style

Last season, Manchester United had their worst finish to a Premier League season, ending the campaign in the eighth spot with Ten Hag only keeping his job by the skin of his teeth after winning the FA Cup. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team actively courted alternative managers before deciding to continue with Ten Hag, signing him to a new two-year deal.

Ten Hag has received backing in the summer transfer window, with United investing over £150 million ($193.3m) to sign Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui. Stam has now openly voiced that Ten Hag needs to take the onus on himself to show the improvements in his side's performances on the field. The United legend also talked about Ten Hag's need to introspect into his own side.

Speaking on the 'Up Front with Simon Jordan' podcast, Stam said [via The Daily Mail]: "For Ten Hag, it's his third season at United – I think he needs to go. I think it's good he signed a new contract because he still needs that little bit of help.

"He needs to look at himself and how last season panned out, I don't always agree with him in terms of him saying they played good football.

"I understand that as a manager you need to be positive about your players and help them out by taking some of the pressure away. That said, it's also good to just be honest as a manager and say that your team played rubbish football.

"He needs to step up this season, there have been a lot of changes made at the club with the staff so I'm curious how it's going to work out for them."

The Red Devils did show a lot of improvement during their season-opening Community Shield final against Manchester City despite losing on penalties. Ten Hag will now lead his side in their Premier League opener on Friday evening when United take on Fulham at Old Trafford.