Paul Merson has explained why Erik ten Hag “got away with it” when Man Utd drew against Chelsea in the Premier League earlier this month.
Ten Hag has certainly had his hands full in the first few months of his time at Manchester United.
The former Ajax boss was tasked with rebuilding the club after a disastrous season last time around under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
He has fared pretty well so far, even with Cristiano Ronaldo making his life difficult.
The forward wanted to leave in the summer but he did not get his wish. He is now not fully content with occupying the bench at Old Trafford.
Man Utd put in one of their best performances in recent memory earlier this month as they beat Tottenham 2-0.
Ronaldo stole the headlines though as he refused to come on as a substitute and left the stadium before full-time.
The 37-year-old was subsequently left out of the fold for the clash with Chelsea. Without him, United drew 1-1 as Casemiro netted a late equaliser.
The Red Devils returned to winning ways in midweek with Ronaldo back in the starting eleven. They beat FC Sheriff 3-0 in the Europa League group stages.
United host West Ham this weekend and Merson has backed Ten Hag’s team to win 2-1.
“Manchester United are doing well at the moment and I like what the manager has done,” Merson told Sportskeeda.
“They were outstanding in the first half against Chelsea, and they played well against Tottenham. I did say that it would be a big week for United, and they did well.
“Erik ten Hag had to do something about Cristiano Ronaldo. After such a great performance, everyone in the dressing room would’ve been watching the situation.
“Ronaldo just can’t do what he did. Man’s a legend, but you’ve got to set an example. That was a long walk, and he would’ve known exactly what he was doing.
“Ronaldo missed the game against Chelsea, and Manchester United didn’t have a forward to bring on in the second half to change the game.
“They didn’t lose that match, and I think Ten Hag got away with it in the end.
“West Ham are a funny team and can be hard to beat, but they haven’t got going yet this season. They can hurt you as they did with Liverpool, and this could be one of those games where the West Ham of last season turns up.
“On current form, however, I don’t see it. Man United are playing really well – the football’s good, the energy’s good, and I think they’ll win this game.”
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