'Given his situation' - Jamie Carragher sends Erik ten Hag warning ahead of Man United vs Liverpool
Jamie Carragher believes Manchester United's FA Cup quarter-final tie against Liverpool could have huge ramifications for manager Erik Ten Hag
Jamie Carragher believes Erik ten Hag's future at Manchester United will hinge significantly on the result of Sunday's mouthwatering FA Cup tie against Liverpool.
United host Liverpool at Old Trafford in the quarter-final stage of the competition, with Ten Hag looking to avenge last season's humiliating final defeat to Manchester City and go one better this time around.
Sunday is the first of two meetings between United and Liverpool at Old Trafford in the space of three weeks, with Jurgen Klopp's high-flying side making the short trip to Old Trafford in the Premier League on April 7.
Ex-Liverpool defender Carragher believes how United fare in both games, Sunday in particular, will have huge ramifications on the future of Ten Hag at United, who is facing an uncertain fate after disappointing performances in the Premier League, Champions League and League Cup this season.
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Writing in his Telegraph column on Friday, Carragher said: "It will be clearer by Sunday night if Sir Jim Ratcliffe is green-lighting or pausing the hunt for an alternative to Ten Hag to spearhead another rebuilding process.
"Given his situation, there are many who will argue the FA Cup quarter-final draw is a nightmare for Ten Hag. It could go the other way. Rather than seeing peril when facing Liverpool, he should be relishing a golden opportunity.
"A positive result can help shift the perception of him. If he goes on to win the FA Cup, perspectives of this season will radically change, especially given the calibre of opponents still in the competition."
United are on course for their joint-most defeats in a Premier League season (12 - currently on 11) and sit eight points off the Champions League qualification places. Last month, the Reds' new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe expressed his desire to knock United's foes Liverpool and Manchester City off the top spot in English football.
"Upon taking control of United, Ratcliffe said he wanted to topple Manchester City," added Carragher. "Make no mistake, Liverpool and United will always judge themselves against the other. Fixtures against historic rivals are always more consequential.
"United can beat most teams and still face criticism if the performance is not up to scratch, as was the case against Everton last weekend. When United face Liverpool, it is always about the result.
"The two clubs’ position as England’s most successful means there is more emotion around these meetings than any in the fixture calendar, only the city derbies getting close. Winning feels more satisfying and losing stings more.
"Managerial changes have often followed the realisation one club has fallen too far behind their north-west neighbour, and particularly poor showings in this fixture for coaches who are already under pressure have a habit of setting the stopwatch for the end of a reign."