Former West Ham United striker Carlton Cole has criticised Manchester United's players for voicing an opinion on who they believe should become the club's next permanent manager.
As exclusively revealed by the Manchester Evening News on Monday, some United players have doubts about Ajax boss Erik ten Hag taking over at Old Trafford, with sources close to the players claiming that they believe it would be an 'underwhelming' appointment. However, other figures within the dressing room are understood to be excited about the prospect of working with the Dutchman.
Ten Hag, who was interviewed for the job last month, is United's preferred candidate to take over this summer and has been installed as the overwhelming favourite to succeed Ralf Rangnick this summer. The 52-year-old has overseen a brilliant job at Ajax in the last few years and has earned the opportunity to take charge of one of Europe's big-name giants.
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However, news about there being a dressing room split within the squad over the prospect of Ten Hag taking charge has, once again, put United's players under the microscope. And for former Hammers ace Cole, he believes the appointment of a new manager should be the least of the players' worries, admitting that they have "not performed" for any of the recent managers that the Reds have installed.
Cole told talkSPORT : "I wouldn't have an opinion. First and foremost, I would take whatever I am given and work hard for the team.
"Those players in that changing room cannot have a voice at the moment. They are not doing well.
"Any manager that has come in, they have not performed. They can't start picking the managers who they think they want to play for.
"At least do the right thing. Perform well, with the manager you have at the moment, and work hard for each other.
“Also, make sure that you don't let the club down. Right now, every one of those players are letting the club down. How many excuses can you make until people start to cotton on?
"First and foremost, do your job efficiently and then maybe you will not have to start thinking about, that manager, or which manager is coming in. Do your job first, and make sure you do it in the best way possible and efficiently, so you can get the next manager coming in thinking he is not taking over a sinking ship."
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