Rio Ferdinand, a former Manchester United defender, thinks Erik ten Hag won't have a problem removing specific players if they can't play the way he wants them to.
On Thursday night, Ten Hag's team faced Tottenham after winning their last three Premier League games. The Reds defeated Brighton in a penalty shootout on Sunday, securing their place in the FA Cup final after being eliminated from the Europa League the previous week.
Following the loss in Sevilla on Thursday, both David de Gea and Harry Maguire faced criticism. Both parties contributed to the first goal scored by the Spanish team, and De Gea also made blunders in the third goal of the evening. Maguire, who has been demoted at Old Trafford, has appeared on 28 occasions so far this season.
There is a lot of talk about each player's future because De Gea's contract expires at the end of the current campaign and Maguire is anticipated to depart United in the summer. Ferdinand, acknowledged that De Gea was the kind of goalie he enjoyed playing in front of, but he added that Ten Hag could replace any player who couldn't play in the manner Ferdinand desired.
"I want to turn around and know where my goalkeeper is, I don't want any grey areas with that and I want to be able to trust him," Ferdinand told BT Sport. "There's a situation in the game, he's [De Gea] not involved all the time, but when a moment comes to make a big save that can define momentum in the game or result, I want him there.
"This guy has done that throughout his career, yes he's had issues with his feet with the way the game has evolved in terms of goalkeepers being expected to play more now, but I'm the old-fashioned way that I want them to save the ball and keep it out of the net.
"They're [De Gea and Maguire] being asked to play like this and if you can't play like this, the manager will find people that can do that."
Former Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas added: "He’s [De Gea] in a very similar situation to what Joe Hart was in at Man City."
"Everybody at the time - they’re just on the back of winning league titles - Joe Hart’s a top goalkeeper, and Pep [Guardiola] went ‘he can’t do what I want him to do. I respect him but he can’t do what I want him to do’, and by the looks of what Ten Hag is doing he could be in a similar scenario."
The 2-2 stalemate have seen Man United leap frog Aston Villa to fifth place but they are still six points behind the Red Devils who have a game in hand. The Reds are in a fantastic position to qualify for the Champions League for the upcoming season given that they have games in hand over their nearest top-four competitors.
Rio Ferdinand's claim falls in line with Erik Ten Hag's comments after his side threw away a 2-0 lead against Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite a total first half dominance which saw them lead 2-0 at the interval; thanks to Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford's goals, Man United saw themselves struggle to retain a point as Porro and Son ensured the spoilts were shared at the end of the second half.
A disappointed Erik Ten Hag went ahead to slam his side's attitude claiming they weren't offering 100% during the stalemate.
Before, I would be happy with a point," Ten Hag said. "And you see first half, although I don't think we played that brilliant, we had complete control."
"We had an overload in midfield, we used that very well, especially switching from right to left, we used that overload to score both goals."
"But, to be honest, before 2-0 they had a big chance to make it 1-1 and before that on our right side we conceded some counters and we were not good in positioning. Also, already before half time, we were not playing that well."
"After half time, there was a difference because we were not secure. Then you have to go into the fight and when you lose your battles, you don't go to crosses, you don't squeeze out, you don't close shots, you concede goals and that's what happened. Finally, you can be finally satisfied to take your point."
"We have the worst schedule in the Premier League and it will not change, so we have to take that but it cannot be an excuse. The time is enough to recover so our players are in demand to be ready and today we were not ready.
"Some thought 90% was enough, we lost focus, that's why we gave balls away, we didn't do our jobs in positioning and you concede goals. It was the case with both goals, but more you lose control of the game"
"You have to bring it every time, although I know they are not robots. It's a tough schedule, but it can't be, we can't accept, when you are playing for Man United and wearing the shirt then you have to give it on every occasion, every game. As a team, you have to get the win, then everyone is happy and satisfied."
"You have to prepare as a player, then you are ready for a battle and for a fight."
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