Manchester United legends Gary Neville and Roy Keane have both questioned Erik ten Hag’s future after the Reds suffered their 11th league defeat of the season.

The Dutchman faces increased pressure to finish the season strongly.

It doesn’t help that we’ve lost position in the race for a top-four finish after losing 3-1 to rivals Manchester City on Sunday. Of course, the result was not surprising, but we really wanted to avoid it after losing 2-1 to Fulham last week.

Ten Hag could save the season by leading United to FA Cup victory, but a return to the Champions League is proving increasingly unlikely.

With co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe poised to make significant changes at the club, former right-back Gary Neville believes Ten Hag has valid reasons to be anxious about his future at Old Trafford.

“Last season I think was really good in the sense of winning a trophy, getting into the Champions League, getting to an FA Cup final, there were a lot of good things about last season in terms of setting a foundation for Erik ten Hag,” Neville said in an interview with Sky Sports.

“I would have expected this season, not to win the league. No one expected Manchester United to win the league, but they did not expect them to finish sixth, so much behind.

“So I think that’s the problem; they’ve lost 11 league games, and their performances have been uneven; is this because of what happens in the second season? He only needs a third to get it, right?

“Or is this simply what they are, and this is who he is? That is the challenge Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS will face; where do we stand in this journey? Are we heading in the right direction?

Fellow former United captain Roy Keane agreed with Neville

“The summer is huge for him,” Keane explained. “For example, if they miss out on the Champions League and do not win a trophy, or if they fail to reach the FA Cup final, or whatever. Then you look back, wondering where we’re going.

“That is why, over the next few months, if they can win the FA Cup, finish fifth, and qualify for the Champions League, things will look different. But the next three months are crucial for him.”

Keane was then asked if he believes United are headed in the right direction.

“I’m not sure at the moment,” the Irishman said. “Big question marks. Every week when you see United, you don’t know what to expect.

“11 defeats is far from good enough. I usually recommend to give the manager the benefit of the doubt. You can review in the summer and assess where United are, but the next six months are critical for him.”

Hopefully, Ten Hag can turn things around. It might be a swift turnaround, beginning with next weekend’s home match against Everton.