Erik ten Hag has delivered a bombshell admission about his Manchester United future, confessing he could be sacked after his team's humiliating 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.
The Dutch manager watched in horror as his injury-ravaged side collapsed at Selhurst Park, with Michael Olise running riot against United's makeshift defence. The devastating loss leaves United languishing in eighth place with just three games remaining.
Ten Hag's Future Hangs by a Thread
When questioned about whether this crushing defeat could spell the end of his tenure at Old Trafford, Ten Hag gave a remarkably honest response. "I don't know," he told Sky Sports. "I have to keep fighting. I prepared the team in the best way I could do. It was not good enough - by far not good enough."
The United boss didn't shy away from the brutal reality, adding: "I have to take the responsibility. I feel sorry for the fans."
Injury Crisis No Excuse for Shambolic Display
While United were missing numerous key players including Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, and several other first-team regulars, Ten Hag refused to use the injury crisis as justification for the embarrassing performance.
"We have many problems," he acknowledged. "It's clear and it's obvious, it is. We have to just deal with it. We should have kept fighting like the fans did."
The defeat marks United's 13th Premier League loss this season, equalling their worst-ever tally in the competition's history.
Palace Domination Exposes United's Flaws
Crystal Palace completely outclassed their visitors, with Michael Olise scoring twice and Tyrick Mitchell and Jean-Philippe Mateta adding to United's misery. The performance raised serious questions about United's tactical preparation and player commitment.
Former United captain Roy Keane didn't hold back in his assessment, declaring on Sky Sports: "I'm actually disgusted with the performance. It's not the losing of the football match, it's how they lose. There's no spirit, there's no character, there's no leadership. I'd be getting rid of the whole lot of them."
With new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe watching from the stands, the pressure on Ten Hag has reached boiling point as United face the very real prospect of missing out on European football entirely next season.
