"If it was easy to do, they everyone would" - Manchester United legend praises Ten Hag's achievements with the club

Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole has come to the defence of the club's embattled boss Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman is feeling the heat after an underwhelming start to the season.

After seven Premier League games, Ten Hag's side are 14th, 10 points off leaders Liverpool, having not scored in their last three outings, with two of their three defeats (both 3-0) coming at home.

Ten Hag was reportedly close to a sack last season as United managed a lowly eighth-placed Premier League finish. However, a 2-1 upset of holders Manchester City in the FA Cup final seemed to have given the Dutchman some added time.

Despite extending his deal this summer till 2026, Ten Hag is under pressure, as his side have failed to get going, especially in the league. However, Cole reckons the two trophies Ten Hag has won in as many seasons is praiseworthy as he brought in comparisons with the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson.

"Sir Alex Ferguson, the greatest manager in the club's history, didn't win a trophy in his first three years at Manchester United," Cole said about Ten Hag (as per ESPN UK).

"Winning two cups in two seasons isn't easy to do, regardless of what others say. If it was easy to do, then everyone would."

Ten Hag's side are coming off a goalless draw at Aston Villa in the Premier League last weekend following a 3-3 UEFA Europa League draw at Porto in midweek.

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Erik ten Hag reportedly set to remain as Manchester United boss following marathon INEOS meeting

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag

As mentioned earlier, Manchester United have endured a dismal start to the season, winning only three of their 11 games across competitions. Two of those wins have come in the Premier League, where United are closer to the drop zone (five points) than the top-four (six points).

The dismal league form has led to speculation about Ten Hag's future. However, as reported by The Times (via 90Min), following a marathon six-hour board meeting at United's minority owners INEOS' office in London earlier this week, it was decided that the Dutchman would be allowed to continue.

The meeting was attended by club chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS' director sport Dan Ashworth, club CEO Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.

Following the international break, the Red Devils will seek to snap a five-game winless run across competitions when they host Brentford in the Premier League on October 19.