06 September 2023 , 23:00
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Simon Jordan doesn't think Erik ten Hag is capable of leading Manchester United to the Premier League title - and believes the Red Devils need someone like Jurgen Klopp.
United finished third in the Premier League and won the Carabao Cup in Ten Hag's first season in charge. They also reached the FA Cup final before losing out to Manchester City at Wembley.
The Red Devils have made a mixed start to this campaign, picking up six points from a possible 12. United have secured wins over Wolves and Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, while losing on the road at Tottenham and Arsenal.
Ten Hag received some criticism after his side's 3-1 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday and talkSPORT presenter Jordan has since delivered his verdict on the Dutchman. Jordan does not think he is the "best in class" and claimed that United could do with someone like Liverpool's Klopp in charge.
He told the Daily Mail: "Ten Hag is a decent manager with not insignificant achievements in the Netherlands but I don't think he exudes the authority required of a man capable of leading United out of the desert they find themselves in, let alone the Herculean effort required to triumph over the imperious Pep Guardiola across the city.
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"Is Ten Hag the best in class? I would argue no. I certainly can't see him ending the club's title drought. What United really need is someone like Jurgen Klopp, someone capable of embracing it all, shouldering the huge responsibility of managing such a massive club and delivering success.
Manchester United have picked up six points from their opening four Premier League matches (Getty Images)"Someone who can harness the spirit and energy of the club from previous glories and set standards and outcomes reminiscent of yesteryears. Does that sound like Ten Hag? I don't think so."
United have not won the Premier League since 2013 during Sir Alex Ferguson's final season at the helm. Since then, the Red Devils have had five permanent managers in David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and now Ten Hag. But none have been able to win the Premier League yet.
Jordan added: "Then again, it took four years for Ferguson and Klopp to win their first trophies in England so perhaps Ten Hag will prove me wrong if he is afforded such time to win the biggest prizes.
"But we're four games into the new season and he's already in deflection mode. The best managers, the ones that ultimately achieve things, don't call players out in public. If they do, it is usually because they are floundering and haven't got the answers.
"Time will tell if Ten Hag does but if he doesn't, it's not because the Glazers own Manchester United. No matter what Mr Neville would have you believe."