Chris Sutton fears beleaguered Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is fighting a losing battle in his attempts to unify a dressing room ‘full of snakes’.

The positive momentum the Red Devils gained after a notable streak, including a 3-0 victory at Goodison Park 10 days ago, has diminished rapidly due to unfavorable outcomes in both European and domestic competitions.

United’s chances to advance to the Champions League knockout stages are now in jeopardy after a precarious 3-3 draw against Galatasaray, exposing the flaws in the summer signing Andre Onana‘s performance.

Following that, Ten Hag’s team was dismantled by Newcastle on Saturday night, and the 1-0 loss didn’t truly highlight the significant difference between the two teams.

Once more, the Dutch manager is in a struggle to preserve his position, yet Sutton is concerned that the issues at Old Trafford extend far beyond the manager. Sutton directs his criticism towards three of the club’s most prominent players and top earners.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s heavyweight clash against Chelsea, the former Premier League winner told Mail Sport: ‘This is far bigger than Ten Hag. He has players in that dressing room who are snakes as far as I am concerned.

‘Players who aren’t running. Bruno Fernandes isn’t running. Marcus Rashford isn’t running. Anthony Martial isn’t running. They are talented players so why?

‘Bruno Fernandes, I don’t know what position he plays. But Bruno is the captain. If Roy Keane was captain, if Steve Bruce was captain, if Bryan Robson was captain of that team would they be allowing what goes on out on the field?