Erik ten Hag has just two games to save his job at Manchester United after their early season struggles, according to Premier League legend Alan Shearer. 

The Dutchman’s side were dealt a thumping 3-0 home thrashing by rivals Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, leaving them 14th in the table after their opening three matches. 

Ten Hag’s United have been criticised for their performances so far this season having spent over £200million on new recruits in the summer, including Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte and Matthijs De Ligt.

Speaking to Betfair, he said: ‘Man United’s results will have to improve massively for Ten Hag to still be at the club at Christmas. A lot will depend on their next two results.

‘After the defeat to Brighton and the manner of defeat to Liverpool, if the team doesn’t see a massive improvement in the next game or two then it will be really, really difficult for him because the noise will only get louder.’

United fell to a 2-1 defeat away to Brighton – after a late Joao Pedro winner – before the dismal display against Liverpool. 

After the international break, United travel to St Mary’s for a league clash with Southampton, who are yet to pick up a point in the campaign. 

Just three days later, they will play host to Barnsley in the third round of the League Cup – which Ten Hag will be looking to win for a second time. Their next Premier League game is away at Crystal Palace the following Saturday.

Lat week, BBC pundit Shearer singled out Rashford on Match of the Day after he was substituted in United’s defeat at Brighton – before Ten Hag bit back and called the analysis ‘stupid’.

Former England striker Shearer described the number of times Rashford was caught offside at the Amex Stadium as ‘staggering’ and criticised his lack of goal threat.

‘He’s had two games this season Marcus Rashford and he’s not had one shot at goal,’ said Shearer.

‘On today’s evidence and in the game against Fulham, it’s not been anywhere near good enough in front of goal.’

Ten Hag leapt to Rashford’s defence when he was asked about Shearer’s comments prior to United’s game against Liverpool.

‘If I take a player off, the conclusion is I was not happy with him,’ said Ten Hag. ‘It can be sometimes, but definitely it wasn’t in this case. Stupid analysis from the pundit.

‘I was very happy with Rashy in pre-season and against Fulham, also against Brighton. It is not why I took him off because his performances or level were not right. No. We had to rotate and we have good players on the bench as well.’

Shearer also suggested that the Red Devils need to improve in their attacking department. 

He said: ‘Man United have just sold Jadon Sancho to Chelsea and obviously he hasn’t played a part for a long time now. They have got other options in Amad Diallo and Garnacho. 

‘They’ve got Antony there too, who they spent an absolute fortune on, but he hasn’t really kicked a ball for Man United; he’s been a letdown up to now.

‘There’s no doubt that there’s talent there with Marcus, it’s getting it out of him and quite clearly for a while now, that hasn’t been the case. Man United though have to look at how to improve in forward positions.

‘They’ve bought Zirkzee, I know Hojlund has been injured but on the evidence, I’ve seen in the three games this season, nothing has changed in the forward positions or the midfield.

‘They’ve added in Ugarte now for a lot of money and he’s obviously been signed for a specific reason but it’s a big ask for him and Hojlund to step up and get the improvement that Man United need across the pitch’.