Pundits are missing two key points in criticism of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag

After five defeats in their first 12 Premier League matches this season, it is hard to believe that Manchester United are currently sixth in the Premier League table, just five points shy of the top four.

As we pause at the third international break of the season ahead of the restart this coming weekend, it is fair to argue that the lows have outweighed the highs for United so far this term. They have produced a collection of uninspiring performances and have been on the wrong end of some embarrassing results.

Just like at most clubs when on-field matters do not go according to plan, it is the manager that has faced the brunt of the criticism. Erik ten Hag, though not necessarily by masses of United supporters, has been hung out to dry by sections of the media in recent weeks, including several former players who now earn their coin in the world of punditry.

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Former Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder Jermaine Jenas was the latest former player to speak ill of Ten Hag last week, delivering a scathing criticism of the Dutchman on national radio. He declared that the former Ajax boss was 'not good enough' for United, suggesting the club must make a change in the dugout to progress.

"I don't see players who have chucked the towel in, I just see players who don't know what to do," Jenas told talkSPORT. "There's no cohesion.

"I don't think he's good enough. I've not seen anything in his style of management that makes me think he's the right man to take them in the right direction.

"I can't see what his plan is based on the players he is buying – that's a big one for