Ex-Manchester United defender blasts the media over Erik ten Hag, says FIVE players must go

Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has blasted the media surrounding potential Erik ten Hag replacements, claiming that five players must go from the club.

Rumours about potential incomings and outgoings from Manchester United have been swirling this summer, surrounding the players and manager Erik ten Hag.

After being knocked out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup earlier this season, the FA Cup remains United’s only chance for glory this campaign. They currently sit seventh in the Premier League.

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The poor form during his second season in charge has led an increasing number of people to call for INEOS to dumb Ten Hag this summer in favour of a new manager—although this opinion is not shared by everyone.

Former United defender Paul Parker, who is very vocal about his old club, has called for INEOS to stick by the Dutchman.

Parker: Don’t sack Ten Hag

Speaking to bettingexpert, Parker explained that sacking Ten Hag would be a mistake and that five players should be sold before Ten Hag is fired.

“Should they sack him? No. Would it be a mistake? Yes,” Parker said. “Because there’s no one out there. People are scratching their heads about who’s next.

“Whoever comes in is going to want to do exactly the same as Erik ten Hag. If the club is willing to do exactly that, then they have to decide who’s the best person to lead what they want to bring in.

“If you look at that starting XI, there’s about five you’d like to get rid of. And if the club were to say yes to that then they got to decide who they want to manage after that.”

Although Parker does not name the players specifically, he has previously held very strong opinions against Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, and Antony – so it is safe to assume these four may feature within the five Parker is suggesting.

Parker blasts the media

Speaking further, Parker explained that should United bring in someone such as Graham Potter, it would just continue the cycle of media attention and criticism,

“Looking at the media, they want Graham Potter in another job, maybe to persecute him again when he’s managing another club. They enjoy that. We had a go at him at Chelsea, and we’ll have an even bigger go at him at Manchester United because that carries more weight.”

He concluded: “They shouldn’t change him (ten Hag). He should be allowed to work in the best situation that has been at the club since the Glazers arrived. He should be given the opportunity to do that and given the say-so to talk to the players in the manner that fits his role.”