Manchester United's trouble-making former players must play part in ETH's cultural reset

Gary Neville ‘feels sorry’ for him, Paul Scholes thinks it will take him at least five years to turn them around and Rio Ferdinand’s got a six-point plan for him to transform the club’s fortunes.

Erik ten Hag was appointed less than seven days ago but the Dutchman’s already been given a whirlwind taste of a week in the life of a Manchester United manager. Facing constant scrutiny comes with the territory at Manchester United but the 52-year-old could be forgiven for wondering exactly what he’s got himself into by agreeing to take charge at the Theatre of Dreams.

He’s yet to even speak to his new squad but already Ten Hag’s credentials have been questioned and his ability to revive the club doubted by former United players.

Last weekend’s defeat to Arsenal perfectly encapsulated the task that awaits Ten Hag and only part of that was because of the dismal result on the pitch. A 3-1 loss ended United’s top four hopes and the defending throughout at the Emirates underlined the Dutchman’s need to strengthen the squad.

But the fallout from the defeat shows that it will be just as important for Ten Hag to keep a handle on what happens off the pitch if he’s to stand any chance at the club. Speaking to Premier League Productions after the game, Scholes broke Jesse Lingard’s trust by revealing that the midfielder had told him that the dressing room was a ‘disaster’.

It’s an absolute mess. It’s a disaster of a dressing room. I had a quick chat with Jesse Lingard the other day and I’m sure he won’t mind me saying; he said the dressing room was a disaster

In Scholes’ defence he has since apologised and revealed that Lingard was far from pleased with his slip of the tongue, but the damage had already been done.

The result should