Erik ten Hag makes Manchester United relegation prediction amid Michael Carrick sack rumours

The former United boss was asked about his former club in the wake of the Red Devils’ latest defeat over the weekend, when they were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea.

Pressure has piled on manager Michael Carrick after a run of nine straight games without a victory, and United were thrashed 4-1 and 3-0 by Como and Bournemouth respectively a fortnight ago.

Most thought that their under-fire head coach would be relieved of his duties after the Bournemouth demolition, with the former midfielder seemingly waving goodbye to the Old Trafford faithful as he made his way off the pitch. He also raised his hands in apology to the travelling support following their crushing by Cesc Fabregas’ Como in the Champions League.

Apology: Michael Carrick

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However, it was revealed that Carrick would survive the sack and take charge as normal against Chelsea, but he saw his men beaten comfortably thanks to Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer’s strikes, while Lisandro Martinez was sent off for two bookable offences, with the defender and his manager not even acknowledging each other as the Argentine trudged off.

It has led Ten Hag, who departed the club back in October 2024, to comment on his old employers’ situation, as another of his successors attempts to turn United’s fortunes around.

"In the Premier League it's certainly possible, because all the teams are simply strong," he said on ESPN NL.

"They're all strong squads, all good managers. If you end up on the wrong side once and you really get into that vicious circle, then it can become very difficult."

Ten Hag is now the sporting director at FC Twente, having had a short and underwhelming tenure at Bayer Leverkusen, where he succeeded now-Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso.

United take on Roma in the Champions League next up, before a home clash with resurgent Aston Villa at the weekend, with the Red Devils sat perilously in 17th in the Premier League table.