Gary Neville shares Erik ten Hag prediction after Man United shambles against Liverpool

Gary Neville reckons Manchester United will play the 'political' card and appoint Erik ten Hag as soon as possible to paper over the cracks that re-emerged during an alarming defeat to Liverpool on Tuesday night. United were swept aside by their bitter rivals in a one-sided 4-0 verdict at Anfield.

Goals from Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah (2) and Sadio Mane did the damage. It was an eye-catching result which saw Jurgen Klopp and his free-scoring team keep up pace in the Premier League title race - but their arch rivals from Old Trafford are left to ponder what is next on the horizon.

United have yet to formally appoint Ten Hag. However, after Manchester Evening News revealed early last month that he had been identified as a preferred candidate to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on a permanent basis, it ought only to be a matter of time before the 52-year-old puts pen to paper with the club.

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Speaking after the Liverpool reverse, Neville told Sky Sports: "The quickness Manchester United want to get [Erik] Ten Hag out there as soon as possible is to take the pressure and the eye of everything that's currently going on at the football club. It's an old political tactic. They cannot wait to appoint him, because it instantly shifts the focus to next season."

Missing five senior players through injury - and Cristiano Ronaldo due to personal reasons - United opted to switch formations at Anfield and also made four changes in terms of personnel. However, each player struggled to make a mark or impact on Liverpool as attentions turn to manager-elect Ten Hag touching down in the Premier League.

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