PSV Eindhoven manager Peter Bosz believes Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag lacks the players to perform at the greatest level at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman is in his second season with the Red Devils and is under increasing pressure after 12 defeats in 25 games this season across all competitions.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Man United’s new co-owner, has been projected to part ways with Ten Hag if the results do not improve quickly, with managers already connected with replacing him, but Bosz has defended him, arguing he cannot be entirely faulted 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 manager said when questioned about the strain on Man United manager Jose Mourinho.

“Remove the coach and focus solely on the players.” Can they compete for the championship? “I don’t believe so.”

A big clearout is required at the Theatre of Dreams if Manchester United are to win the Premier League title for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013.

As a result, a couple of departures are expected next month and in the summer transfer window, with Jadon Sancho poised to leave in January and Anthony Martial due to leave after the season concludes after the club chose not to activate his 12-month extension.

Raphael Varane, Casemiro, and Antony have all been linked with moves away, while Donny van de Beek has agreed to join Eintracht Frankfurt on loan ahead of the January transfer window.

Only Lisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandes, Luke Shaw, Alejandro Garnacho, and Kobbie Mainoo can currently push their way into other top European teams, with Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, and Marcus Rashford struggling.