12 December 2023 , 07:00
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Manchester United could do worse than take a page out of Luton Town’s book, according to Ally McCoist.
Erik ten Hag’s wildly inconsistent team face Bayern Munich on Tuesday night knowing they must win and rely on a draw between Copenhagen and Galatasaray if they are to progress in the Champions League. And after being destroyed 3-0 by Bournemouth at home on Saturday, McCoist says he is puzzled by the root of United’s problems.
Yet having seen them up close on several occasions in recent weeks, the TNT Sports analyst believes Ten Hag’s players must show the guts of Premier League minnows Luton to compete with Bayern. “I could not believe the level of performance they put in at Newcastle [10 days ago],” McCoist said.
“That was really concerning. I was at that game, then I went to Old Trafford for the Chelsea game and they were miles better. They weren’t brilliant but they were much better than Chelsea.
"It was the reaction that Ten Hag and the fans would have wanted but then you look at them on the weekend and jeez, it’s impossible to put your finger on it. I look at United and Chelsea - two massive clubs who five or ten years ago you’d be talking about them challenging and there’s a softness about them. They look soft.
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“The other teams have got a bit about them. Dare I say it, the biggest criticism I could level at United and Chelsea is that even Luton have got a bit about them. Luton could be relegated but the way they play the game, the way they run and work for each other, they’ve been a breath of fresh air.”
Yet McCoist is equally unsure of a long-term solution at Old Trafford as he fears the potential of a league drought to rival Liverpool ’s 30 years. The former Glasgow Rangers striker thinks it might even be a misstep to part ways with Ten Hag, who is under increasing pressure as head coach.
TNT Sports is the exclusive home of the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League.
Erik ten Hag's team must beat Bayern Munich to progress“I don’t know what you do. Do you get rid of Ten Hag? Ten Hag, Mourinho - all these good managers, excellent managers with a good pedigree and it’s not worked. So it’s more than that. It’s systematic all the way through the club.
“I know there’s going to be changes at the top but Liverpool went 30 years without a title. I’m not saying that’s going to happen but would you be surprised if they did? It’s a bizarre situation and it’s a long way away to fix United at this moment in time, which the supporters won’t want to hear.”
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