‘Make or break’ for big star, with three players key to Ten Hag’s dismissal

Ally McCoist believes this season is crucial for Manchester United chief Marcus Rashford, while the pundit has also responded to speculation that Erik ten Hag is feeling particularly let down by three big Old Trafford names.

Ten Hag was fired on Monday after the controversial 2-1 defeat against West Ham United Man Utd is 14th in the Premier League. Ten Hag managed to keep his job all summer and during the last international break, but this was one defeat too many.

Ruben Amorim is set to take over from the Dutchman as the Sporting CP boss has signed a contract to join United.

Amorim has a huge task to put United within striking distance of the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal.

However, the 39-year-old will take his chances as he is one of the best young coaches around. Amorim will also have an expensive team at its disposal, full of stars who underperformed at Ten Hag but still have great potential.

One way Amorim can put United on the map – and get the club’s fans on board quickly – is by helping Rasford shine once more.

McCoist believes the winger needs to take heart and perform at his brilliant best again, regardless of the management rumours.

“It’s make or break time for Marcus, it really is,” he continued talkSPORT.

“You can talk about managers coming in, whether it’s (Jose) Mourinho, (Louis) van Gaal, Ole (Gunnar Solskjaer) or Ten Hag.

“Leave the manager alone, just go play, set a performance level yourself. If he asks you to do something, go do it.”

Rashford’s unpredictable form is a theme that defined the enigmatic Ten Hag era. He was on fire during the Dutchman’s first season at Old Trafford, scoring 30 goals in 56 appearances, but has managed just 12 goals in 57 appearances in the two seasons since.

Don’t miss it – Erik ten Hag’s dismissal: the five lowest points from the Dutchman’s difficult period at Man Utd

Ten Hag has ‘perfect right’ to be angry with trio – McCoist

According to reports on Tuesday, Rashford is one of three players who contributed to Ten Hag’s departure. because the manager felt ‘let down’ by their underperformance.

The other two players involved are very experienced midfielders Casemiro and expensive flop Antony.

When asked if Ten Hag was frustrated with the trio, McCoist said: “He has every right to be, right? I don’t think they performed.

“He (Casemiro) looks a bit like (Raphael) Varane, it just didn’t work out at all.”

On an £86million winger Anthonyadded McCoist: “How can you possibly (spend)… what was it? £90 million? I just don’t see it.

“It gets on stage, you look at the kid and you’re willing for him to do well. You want him to do well, you want him to take the pressure off himself and do well, but I don’t see it.”

Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Antony and Casemiro are both at risk of being sold next year as Amorim has no intention of using them regularly.

Rashford is more likely to stay as he is a homegrown player and Amorim will look to revive his top form. But TEAMtalk has revealed that before Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Marseille are all keeping tabs on the England star in case he becomes available to sign.

READ MORE: Ranking every player Erik ten Hag signed for Man Utd, from WORST to BEST

Man Utd news: Ten Hag transfer misses, advice from Phelan

Meanwhile, reports claim Ten Hag has missed out on a number of key transfer targets at United despite being backed with big spending.

He had hope reuniting with ex-Ajax stars Ryan Gravenberch and Jurrien Timber at United.

However, United were unable to make deals for the pair, resulting in them joining Liverpool and Arsenal respectively.

Instead, Ten Hag had to settle for the conquests of Mason Mount and Lisandro Martinez.

Elsewhere, ex-United assistant coach Mike Phelan has commented on the club’s search for Amorim.

“We will find all the positives if you are successful, usually wherever they are, but the Premier League is a monster.” he said.

“It is a very different environment and many managers have found that difficult. Even the best managers have found it difficult to operate in that arena.”

When asked about Amorim’s priorities at United, Phelan added: “The group of players he has and that he inherits is important. He needs to do his homework on it, he knows the results haven’t been great.

“But I also think that Manchester United and from the coach’s perspective have to create some kind of performance, an identity on the football field. Who are they? What will they become under this coach?

“That should have a relatively immediate effect – it should manifest itself quickly, because that’s what he’s being assessed for quite early on. Then he can continue to build from there, if he still has some money left of course.”

How does Ten Hag compare to Amorim?