Man United management candidates ‘have reservations about succession to Erik ten Hag due to heavy criticism from former players in the media’

Potential Manchester United candidates are being put off replacing Erik ten Hag by the strong opinions of former players working in pundits, according to reports.

Erik ten Hag has had to navigate his way through plenty of criticism from former United players during his chaotic two seasons in charge which could soon come to an end.

A 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday left further doubts over Ten Hag’s future as INEOS and United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe weigh whether to sack the Dutchman.

Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel and former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane have been seen as potential replacements for Ten Hag, but the impact of former players’ comments has some candidates worried, as reported by The Telegraph.

The progression from player to expert is a path often taken by former stars of the modern game, with United’s cohort of legends appearing in increasing roles on broadcasters and YouTube channels.

Rio Ferdinand (left) and Gary Neville (right) are among the former United stars who have turned pundits

Former Man United star Paul Scholes calls for Ten Hag to be sacked by Man United

Old Trafford legend Gary Neville has been highly critical of United’s performances this season and is constantly making headlines for his comments on goings-on at the 13-time Premier League champion club.

Rio Ferdinand is another iconic club player who has passed judgment in the years since his departure and even runs his own YouTube channel which focuses largely on United’s problems.

Premier League legend Paul Scholes regularly calls out United’s failings and called for Ten Hag to be sacked after the club’s dismal performance against Crystal Palace, while Michael Owen insisted the Dutchman should leave before the end of the season. Owen Hargreaves is also a former United star who is now a TV regular.

Two candidates who have been mentioned in connection with Ten Hag’s replacement are said to be concerned about negative media attention on the manager’s seat at Old Trafford.

Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has been linked with taking Man United this summer.

Man United’s dismal season took another turn for the worse after they were beaten 4-0 by Crystal Palace on Monday.

The 54-year-old United boss has a year remaining on his current contract and has attempted to show authority and confidence during his side’s recent torrid performances.

Ten Hag recently said former players were “forgetful” and insisted Ferdinand and Neville also endured periods of underperformance during Sir Alex Ferguson’s glorious reign.

Speaking in late April, he said: “People forget that the 2004-05 Man United team didn’t play very good football either (while Ferguson built a new team around Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo).

“They were building and it took a while but everyone forgets, even the players who were on the team.”