Manchester United legend and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has indicated that the fans recognized that Erik Ten Hag has done a good job with the squad, but he said his former side are still far behind rivals.
Manchester United lifted their first trophy under Erik Ten Hag's management after they beat Newcastle United 2-0 at Wembley Stadium last Sunday. Casemiro's bullet header and Marcus Rashford's strike in the first half ensured the Red Devils travel back to Manchester with the Carabao Cup trophy in their baggage.
Fans were ultimately happy with the team when they went to receive their medals and the trophy; they crowd-cheered each player as they lifted up the trophy in celebration, but when it was the team manager Erik Ten Hag's turn to lift the trophy, the crowd cheered aggressively, and Gary Neville claimed it's because the fans know who the most important person is.
Gary Neville was praising the Dutchman's ability to get the big calls right. He said: "The big things—leaving Marcus Rashford out after doing so well for being late, the way in which he handled the Ronaldo situation, and leaving out Harry Maguire—those are massive decisions and could have quite easily gone the wrong way."
"But I think he has assumed control of the club again." You think of Guardiola and Klopp and know they are the most important people at the football club, but Ten Hag today, and in the last few months, has just taken control of Manchester United again. "The fans love Casemiro and love Rashford, but when he lifted the trophy, they knew who the most important person was," Gary Neville stated.
However, the legendary right back stressed that his former side is still not close to the standards of their rivals, but they are certainly making progress under Erik Ten Hag.
Manchester United are third on the Premier League table, still competing in the Europa League and FA Cup. They have recorded great wins against rivals in the league this season and have been in terrific form at home, but Gary Neville indicates that the Red Devils aren't on their rivals' level yet.
"They’re not close to Arsenal or Manchester City, that’s clear, but where they are and what they’re doing is something I never would have imagined six months ago," Gary Neville explained.
"This squad will be dangerous with a medal around their neck because you like to think Erik ten Hag is going to improve them again in the next 12 to 18 months."
Roy Keane, another Man United legend turned Sky Sports pundit, concurred with his former teammate's thoughts but believes Man United have made some right decisions in the wake of Erik Ten Hag's appointment.
"They’ve recruited well; they’ve got a spirit." "They weren’t at their best today, but they won a football match, and the fans appreciated that," Roy Keane added.
"There’s a lot of hard work ahead. The players have got to use this as a springboard to get more trophies over the next few years. That’s what it’s about playing for Manchesterchester United."
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