Former defender Micah Richards believes are a decade behind the Premier League’s elite despite the appointment of Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag was officially unveiled as United’s new manager on Thursday, two days after the Red Devils were humiliated by Liverpool at Anfield, with goals from Luis Diaz, and devastating a lacklustre United team.
After the game, interim manager Ralf Rangnick claimed his side were ‘six years behind Liverpool’, as well as the league’s other top clubs Chelsea and Manchester City.
But speaking on Match of the Day on Wednesday night, Richards disagreed with the German, saying: ‘No way. Definitely more than that. Six years? No, 10 years. They’re far off.’
Ten Hag, 52, has joined United from Ajax on a three-year deal with an option for a fourth, and reportedly told the club’s hierarchy in interviews that he views his rebuild as at least a five-year project.
But Richards’ co-pundit Alan Shearer was not convinced, with the Newcastle legend adding: ‘He’s [Ten Hag] probably having second thoughts after watching that because the size of the task that faces him is incredible.
‘They need seven or eight new players, the club needs an overhaul, the club’s a mess and it’s going to take a long time for them to get back.’
Ten Hag will not take charge until the summer but in the meantime United still have a chance at claiming a spot in next season’s Champions League.
They are currently sixth in the table, three points off the top four but having played a game more than main rivals Tottenham and Arsenal.
The Red Devils face the Gunners at the Emirates in their next game on Saturday.
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