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Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher claims the next three weeks will have a ‘massive bearing’ on Erik ten Hag’s future with Man United set to face their fierce rivals twice in 21 days

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Jamie Carragher believes Erik ten Hag faces a massive three weeks in a bid to keep hold of his job as Manchester United boss next term with two clashes with arch-rivals Liverpool in that period. 

Ten Hag had a brilliant first season in charge at Old Trafford, winning the Carabao Cup and guiding the club into third place in the Premier League, winning widespread plaudits. 

However, the second term has been far from more of the same, with a number of high-profile disciplinary issues at the club, struggles for form, and only the FA Cup left to fight for. 

As such, Ten Hag’s position at the helm has come under increasing pressure in 2023-24, and Carragher believes that for the Dutchman to be certain of a place in Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s future for the club he may need to spoil Jurgen Klopp‘s leaving party. 

In his column for the Telegraph, the legendary Liverpool defender drew parallels between the two rivals; Liverpool are already looking for a new manager after Klopp announced his impending departure, while the Red Devils are thought to be weighing up the future of their own. 

Jamie Carragher believes Erik ten Hag faces a huge three weeks in his bid to stave off pressure around his position

Jamie Carragher believes Erik ten Hag faces a huge three weeks in his bid to stave off pressure around his position

The Dutchman has been in the spotlight in his second season as his side have struggled for form

Carragher argues that a result against a rival like Liverpool will pave over any cracks in the performance if they can get the points

‘The first of the Old Trafford meetings with Klopp between now and April 7 will have a massive bearing on how much faith there is left in Ten Hag to revive the club. Win, and Ten Hag will – to steal Klopp’s famous phrase – turn some of his doubters into believers,’ argued Carragher.

He added: ‘It will be clearer by Sunday night if Sir Jim Ratcliffe is green-lighting or pausing the hunt for an alternative to Ten Hag to spearhead another rebuilding process,’ he wrote. 

‘Given his situation – I have already written in this column the United manager is effectively on trial – there are many who will argue the FA Cup quarter-final draw is a nightmare for Ten Hag. It could go the other way. Rather than seeing peril when facing Liverpool, he should be relishing a golden opportunity.

FA CUP QUARTER-FINALS ODDS 

Odds courtesy of Paddy Power

Manchester United – 3/1

Draw – 3/1

Liverpool – 3/4 

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‘A positive result can help shift the perception of him. If he goes on to win the FA Cup, perspectives of this season will radically change, especially given the calibre of opponents still in the competition.’

The two face off on Sunday in the FA Cup quarter-finals, before a meeting in the league – both at Old Trafford – 21 days later. 

United faced criticism for their showing against Everton last time out, in which they allowed the Toffees some 23 shots in the match, despite winning 2-0.

Yet Carragher argues that against your rivals – in this case the Reds – the result is still the most important thing, and a positive outcome in either clash with Liverpool will likely paper over any below-par performance to get the points. 

After falling out of the Champions League at the earliest available opportunity and being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle, the FA Cup is the last available chance for Ten Hag to win some silverware. 

They face a Liverpool side that has been crippled by injuries, and with a number of players returning for the Dutchman, there will be a good opportunity for his side to inflict an important win. 

United welcome their nemesis to Old Trafford on Sunday in the FA Cup before a league clash on April 7

United welcome their nemesis to Old Trafford on Sunday in the FA Cup before a league clash on April 7

Jurgen Klopp's side are looking to pick up four trophies at the end of the season to bid farewell to the German boss

Jurgen Klopp’s side are looking to pick up four trophies at the end of the season to bid farewell to the German boss

Despite their fitness woes, though, Liverpool will be keen to give Klopp the send-off he deserves after a trophy-laden stint at Anfield, and with a chance to seal a memorable Quadruple this season still on the cards, the German may not want to pass up on the opportunity to go big. 

As such, Carragher does not believe that the Reds boss will rely on younger players and rotate the squad massively, with the clash with their rivals too big a game to compromise. 

‘The pairing with United changed that,’ Carragher wrote. ‘As Klopp said before the third-round tie away at Arsenal, you don’t compromise in fixtures like this.

‘Klopp knows his time is coming to an end and is on course to go out with bang. The onus is on Ten Hag to defy those who fear he is about to leave United with a whimper.’


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