FA CUP IS KEY TO UNITED'S SEASON ...AND POSSIBLY FOR ERIK'S JOB RE

LOU MACARI EXCLUSIVE on why his old team must beat Liverpool to prove they really want Ten Hag in charge

-  DAVID MCDONNELL

MANCHESTER UNITED'S players must prove they want Erik ten Hag to stay by knocking arch-rivals Liverpool out of the FA Cup.

His hopes of keeping his job hinge on the FA Cup and securing a Champions League spot, although, with United eight points adrift of fourth place, that latter target seems unlikely.

That leaves the FA Cup as Ten Hag's last shot at redemption, with United legend Lou Macari believing Sunday's Old Trafford clash could be a make-or-break encounter for the Dutchman (below).

"People are saying it's a huge game for Ten Hag," said Macari, who played a key role as United beat Liverpool in the 1977 FA Cup final to deny their old foes the Treble.

"But it's a huge game for everybody players, fans and the club itself. A convincing win against Liverpool could go a long way to persuading people Ten Hag is the right man to stay in charge.

"That's crazy thing. The manager's position is always under threat, but all managers including Ten Hag - rely on their players. You'd like to think that those who like him and I don't think there would be many who dislike him will be out there on Sunday, playing for their futures and the manager's future.