06 May 2023 , 23:46
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Richard Keys believes Manchester United are not "any better" under Erik ten Hag than his predecessors of the last decade.
United have endured a turbulent spell since iconic manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired in May 2013. David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick have all failed to win the Premier League title as United boss during that time.
Ten Hag was appointed by the Red Devils a year ago and is enjoying a solid first season in charge, with the team set to qualify for the Champions League. The Dutchman has been praised for his work at Old Trafford by fans, but TV presenter Keys is yet to be convinced.
"I just don't share the general hysteria about Manchester United right now," Keys told beIN Sports. "I don't think they're any better than they've been since Fergie left."
Last season, United finished sixth in the Premier League and completed a fifth consecutive campaign without silverware. Ten Hag has already ended that drought by winning the Carabao Cup, with an FA Cup final against Manchester City pencilled in for June 3.
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Yet Keys believes United are no better than when they finished second in the Premier League under Solskjaer two years ago. He's also highlighted the achievements of Van Gaal and Mourinho, who both won trophies during their respective spells at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman is enjoying a solid first season at Old Trafford (Getty Images)Do you agree with Richard Keys? Let us know in the comments below!
"I think they've been better at different times," added Keys. "I think they were better under Mourinho; I think they were better under Van Gaal; I think they were arguably better under Solskjaer. So, I just don't share the hysteria that Ten Hag has turned up and turned them into what they once were."
Keys' beIN Sports colleague Andy Gray admitted he isn't "convinced" that Ten Hag is the right manager for United but thinks they are in a better position to "move forward".
Ten Hag's biggest challenge will be stopping the likes of Man City and Arsenal in next season's title race. City are four points clear at the top of the Premier League after winning 10 consecutive games in the division, with a young Gunners side sat in second.
Keys is not the only critic to question Ten Hag's United record. Mirror Football columnist Robbie Fowler wrote last month: "They really are not that much better off than they were under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer... there is still a long way to before they can challenge City."
Yet Fowler, like Gray, believes the foundations are now in place for United to kick on. He added: "The club has been screaming out for serious foundations for years, and now they have a manager capable of providing them.
"He’s also produced a work ethic and team spirit which was lacking, and that’s a big difference... [but] maybe Ten Hag needs another summer of building before they take on Europe’s elite."