Paul Merson has warned Erik ten Hag that ‘he is not managing Ajax anymore’ after Manchester United’s latest capitulation.

United relinquished a two-goal advantage on two occasions, resulting in a 3-3 draw against Galatasaray on Wednesday.

This outcome has significantly jeopardized the Red Devils’ prospects of advancing in the Champions League, requiring them to secure a victory against Bayern Munich while relying on a draw between Galatasaray and Copenhagen in the concluding group matches.

However, prior to that, their focus shifts back to the Premier League, where they encounter a challenging match away against Newcastle on Saturday night.

Newcastle, too, faced adversity in European competition midweek, securing a draw against PSG with the aid of a late and disputed penalty. Additionally, they find themselves amidst a substantial injury crisis.

Regardless, Eddie Howe’s team trails Ten Hag’s by just one point in seventh place. They secured a 3-0 victory against United in the Carabao Cup in November and notably triumphed over Chelsea with a 4-1 scoreline last week.

Merson predicts another victory for the Magpies on Saturday and cautions the United manager that unless he adjusts his tactics and team selection, the situation is unlikely to improve.

‘Manchester United keep throwing away their leads,’ Merson wrote for Sportskeeda.

‘Against Galatasaray, with the score 3-1, it was like a basketball match. It was so open. Erik ten Hag has got to understand that he is not managing Ajax anymore.

‘He needs to learn how to shut up shop. You don’t have to entertain all the time. Sometimes, you have to take the pragmatic route.

‘I think their chances of making it through to the knockout stages of the Champions League are still alive by the way. That’s because I believe Bayern might play a weakened squad against them as they’ve already qualified.

‘United have a few issues to address though. Firstly, Andre Onana should have saved both of Hakim Ziyech’s goals. It was an extremely disappointing performance and as the goalkeeper of such a big club, you cannot keep costing your team big wins.

‘United booted David de Gea out of the club and the consensus seemed to be that they would be able to challenge for titles with a better goalkeeper. But it has just not worked out with Onana, has it?

‘Secondly, they have to trust Kobbie Mainoo to play at the base of midfield. He did a great job against Everton last weekend and I don’t know why they went with Sofyan Amrabat against Galatasaray.

‘It must have something to do with not throwing a young player in the deep end in as hostile an environment as the RAMS Park. But if you’re good enough, you’re old enough.

‘Mainoo should start here but even then, I don’t see Manchester United toughing it out against Newcastle United. Manchester United are more ruthless than Chelsea but the Magpies were excellent last weekend and I’d be shocked if they don’t win this week.

‘Predicted scoreline: Newcastle United 3-1 Manchester United’