PSV Eindhoven manager Peter Bosz believes his Manchester United counterpart Erik ten Hag does not have players capable of competing at the top level.
The Dutchman is in his second season with the Red Devils and is under increasing pressure following 12 defeats in 25 games across all competitions this term.
Man United’s incoming co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been tipped to part ways with Ten Hag if the results do not change soon, with managers already linked with replacing him.
However, Bosz has leapt to his defence, insisting he cannot be totally blamed given the quality of the players in his ranks.
“It is not easy, especially when you don’t have the players to perform at the highest level,” the PSV boss replied when asked by The Athletic what he makes of the pressure the Man United manager is currently facing.
“Take away the coach and think only of the players. Can they play for the title? I don’t think so.”
A massive clearout is needed at Old Trafford if Man United are to start winning Premier League titles again having not done so since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013.
A couple of exits are expected next month and in the summer transfer window, with Jadon Sancho set to leave in January, while Anthony Martial will be on his way once the season ends after the club opted against activating the 12-month extension in his deal.
Raphael Varane, Casemiro and Antony have also been linked with departures, while Donny van de Beek is on his way to Eintracht Frankfurt on loan in January.
Only Lisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandes, Luke Shaw, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo could force their way into other big teams in Europe.
Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford have the ability to do the same but are currently struggling.