It was another dour day at Old Trafford on Saturday, as boos rang out after a 1-1 draw against 19th-placed Burnley for Manchester United.
Erik Ten Hag's side have shown flashes of life this season but nothing more, and look destined for an anonymous sixth-place finish after an encouraging top four finish last season.
There have been a remarkable amount of injury problems, and major players have had poor campaigns, but no excuses can be made for struggling to dispatch of such a poor Burnley side at home. It was the type of performance that we have come to expect from United this season.
Antony put United 1-0 up late on at Old Trafford, his first Premier League goal of the season. The strike in truth masked yet another poor performance from the Brazilian, who will surely be at risk of an exit from the club this summer.
Even that goal was not enough to get United over the line, with a crazy wayward header from Casemiro and an equally crazy wayward punch from Andre Onana leading to a Burnley penalty, which Zeki Amdouni coolly dispatched.
Antony and Casemiro are among the wide range of players fearing for their futures at Old Trafford and, after the full-time whistle, Shay Given spoke about the enormity of the task at hand for United even if Erik Ten Hag departs at the end of the season.
READ HERE: Jurgen Klopp Had Spiky Reaction To Question About Mohamed Salah Bust-Up
READ HERE: Damien Duff Explains Why He Pulled Fan From Crowd For Shelbourne Team Talk
Shay Given's assessment of Manchester United prospects sums up dire situation
An exit for Ten Hag has appeared increasingly likely in recent weeks thanks to United's limp finish to an underwhelming season.
The Dutchman's decision-making has been inconsistent throughout the campaign, and a change of ownership at the club has piled further pressure on.
Ten Hag is not the only one at risk, however, with a wealth of players' futures up for debate whether or not a new manager comes in.
Speaking on Premier Sports after Saturday's game, ex-Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given said that the task at hand was far greater than simply sacking Ten Hag - that being if the Dutch manager does even vacate his position:
That's the problem. It won't even happen next season - bringing a new manager in, bringing new players in, it's going to take a long time, 3-4 seasons perhaps.
You mentioned Jason Wilcox, Dan Ashworth...it takes time for them to recruit those players, get them in.
It happens quicker [if you get the right players], but they're not in the Champions League.
If you're trying to attract a big player to come, I know Manchester United is still a big club, but if a Champions League club like an Arsenal or Man City wants the same player, they're obviously going to go to that club. You're fighting that battle as well.
It's a big job no matter who comes in.
The other thing that might survive Ten Hag another season is that there's not a load of candidates out there. You couldn't name three or four really top managers now [who are free]. Timing is key.
Most of Europe's top coaches are indeed tied down to long-term contracts, or would not be in a position to take over at Manchester United. Thomas Tuchel would appear the outstanding candidate, though doubts pervade about the German's ability to peacefully run a club.
The situation at Old Trafford is a mess partly of Ten Hag's making and, whether he stays or goes, it will be a long road back in the years ahead for the club.
SEE ALSO: David Moyes Had Mad Response To Question On Jurgen Klopp Departure
