Nine of Manchester United’s starting XI for 4-0 Everton defeat in 2019 are still at club despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s promise – will Erik ten Hag finally be the man to overhaul Premier League giants

Manchester United’s problems were on full show as they lost 1-0 to Everton on Saturday, all but ending their hopes of finishing in the top four.

The Red Devils seem as far away from challenging for the Premier League title than they have been in a number of years.

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There will be talk over needing to overhaul the squad and will a manager like Erik ten Hag, who has been heavily linked to the permanent job, be the man to finally get them back on track.

You would be forgiven for having this nagging sense of Deja Vu… because we were in this exact position three years ago.

talkSPORT host Alex Crook pointed out that United suffered an embarrassing defeat to Everton three years ago, but the warnings made at the time have not been acted on.

"It is almost exactly three years ago when Man United lost 4-0 at Goodison Park. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer came out and said some of these players won't be here next year,” Crook said on Sunday’s Boot Room.

"Well, nine of the 11 that started that game are still United players, and six of them played yesterday - in three years we are still wasting our time!"

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Here’s a reminder of what Solskjaer said after that defeat to Everton when it was pointed out that his team ran 8km less than their opponents.

“You have got to ask them. I have asked them,” he said. “Of course, if you want to play at this club it has to be more. I want my team to be the hardest-working team in the league. 

“That is what we were under Sir Alex. Giggs, Becks, Gary Neville, Denis [Irwin]. No matter how much talent you have got, you run more than anyone. 

"You can’t change your whole squad. One step at a time. I am going to be successful here and there are players who won’t be part of that.”

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Fast forward three years and five players started the game against Everton - Marcus Rashford, Fred, Nemanja Matic, Victor Lindelof and David De Gea, while Paul Pogba came off the bench.

Anthony Martial, Phil Jones and Diogo Dalot are also still United players.

Man United line-up vs Everton - April 2019

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Man United line-up vs Everton - April 2022

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So is Erik ten Hag the man to turn things around at Old Trafford? He would need to be supported in the transfer market if reports are true about the names he wants to bring in.

talkSPORT understands that Ajax expect United to pay the £1.7million compensation fee to release him from his contract.

Although other reports on Monday suggest that RB Leipzig are prepared to hijack the deal if negotiations stall.

Reported transfer targets include the likes of Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Ruben Neves and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.

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