'Guy they really want is available' - Man United icon sends Erik ten Hag stark warning

Peter Schmeichel has blasted Manchester United's treatment of Erik ten Hag and reckons the players will be having doubts over the manager's future.

The Dutchman's future was under scrutiny following a turbulent season at Old Trafford. Despite the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, questions lingered about Ten Hag's suitability for the role.

United's football leadership, spearheaded by part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, considered other managers, including ex-Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, before finally deciding to stick with Ten Hag. United's handling of the situation has drawn criticism from Red Devils legend Schmeichel, who believes the manager has been undermined.

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"If I was a player in the squad, I would feel my manager has been undermined," Schmeichel told talkSPORT. "Will I have the same respect for him? Will I then think he's secure in his job?

"Is it a question of when the guy they really want is available, he will then have to leave his job? I don't think Manchester United, at this particular time, need all that uncertainty. I've got to be honest, I feel really, really sorry for him. I don't think that was the right way to do it."

Speaking on Dutch TV channel NOS, Ten Hag revealed United's decision-makers visited him while he was holidaying in Ibiza to tell him he was still their man. He said: "They suddenly showed up on my doorstep and told me they wanted to continue with me.

"As in any organisation, it is wise to evaluate. Manchester United did that too. The new owner [Ratcliffe] is new to football, he has taken