Former player says he’s ‘worried’ about Erik ten Hag’s ‘mental health’ and that United are in ‘big trouble’

Former Scotland international Steve Nicol has reacted to Manchester United’s dismal defeat to Fulham on Saturday.

The Red Devils’ unbeaten start to 2024 came to an end at the hands of the travelling Cottagers, who picked up their first away win since the opening weekend of the campaign.

United were particularly woeful across the clash and while Erik ten Hag can shift some blame onto his ever-growing absentee list, you’d expect the likes of key first-teamers Raphael Varane, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford etc. to get the job done against a side in the bottom half of the table.

It’s safe to say the short-lived prospect of claiming a Champions League spot slipped even further away from the Reds’ grasp after the loss.

Post-match, Ten Hag commended his team’s character despite what supporters would class as one of their most uninspired showings – although you wouldn’t expect him to throw them under the bus entirely.

“The team showed big character to fight back, we deserved the equaliser and went for the win – we showed big personality and character. It was that mistake. Before that, we went for the win and we should have taken our opportunities,” the manager declared.

Nicol puzzled by Ten Hag’s reaction to defeat

However, it’s such comments that have left Nicol bewildered. He told ESPN: “I don’t know where to start, to be quite honest. I am actually worried about the mental health of Ten Hag.

“If he, for one second, actually thinks that, then Man United are in big trouble because that is complete and utter nonsense.”