Manchester United returned to pre-season with a whimper, suffering a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Rosenborg.
The players certainly didn’t share the excitement of club football returning as they put in an underwhelming performance in Norway.
Erik ten Hag pulled no punches as he delivered a brutal assessment of the display, with the Dutchman stating that his side should have performed better.
While United’s line-up was mostly filled with young academy players, there were enough senior players in action to expect a stronger showing, with Casemiro and Marcus Rashford both involved.
It was also the first time for fans to lay eyes on a new-look United dugout that now includes assistant managers Rene Hake and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The club confirmed the duo’s appointment last Thursday and pundit Phil Thompson believes it is a bad omen for Ten Hag’s future.
Phil Thompson issues Erik ten Hag sack prediction
It was certainly not the start to pre-season that Ten Hag would have dreamed up, and speculation on his future at the club has already begun.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Tuesday morning, Phil Thompson said “I think he [Ten Hag] is going to have a hard season. His position now at Manchester United reminds me of Liverpool.
“When Brendan Rodgers was there they got rid of two of his coaches. That’s exactly what’s happened at Manchester United.
“Surely the coaches are doing what Ten Hag tells them to do. To me, he’s a dead man walking.
“Have they got someone else in mind? We know that they were looking at so many other managers quite openly and I thought it was disrespectful to Erik ten Hag.”
Erik ten Hag at Manchester United next season
The performance against Rosenborg certainly didn’t have fans off their seats but there is no need to panic.
The FA Cup performance against Manchester City showcased what this United squad is capable of under Ten Hag when the squad is fully fit.
With plenty of stars yet to return to training and a summer of preparation still to come, patience is needed.
All eyes are on Ten Hag this summer after United’s public manager hunt and things will have to improve – but questions over his future can remain locked away for now.