Graeme Souness declared "most people can't" remember Ralf Rangnick's name in a damning verdict on Erik ten Hag's predecessor at Manchester United.
Rangnick replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as United manager on an interim basis in late 2021 but struggled to bring about any upturn in form before leaving Old Trafford this summer. The Red Devils did not come close to winning any silverware and limped over the line to finish sixth in the Premier League under the 64-year-old.
Souness views Rangnick's brief spell in the United hot seat as so unremarkable that he even forgot the manager's name while speaking on the radio on Monday. His comments also served a warning to Ten Hag, who "must get more from" his squad than his forebear if he is to be a success at the club.
"He's giving himself a chance because of his stance to discipline and 'it's my way'," Souness said of Ten Hag on talkSPORT. "Do I think the players he has brought in this year are going to make the difference in challenging for the Premier League? I don't think so.
"We all said whoever comes in has to get more from those players than the previous [manager], the German chap, who I can't remember his name - most people can't. He's [Ten Hag has] given himself a chance to prove things but I don't believe the purchases are going to elevate them [United] to the position to be challenging for the Premier League."
After a dismal start to the season that saw United beaten by Brighton and Brentford, Ten Hag has begun to get to grips with managing in the Premier League. The Red Devils have won five of their last six top-flight fixtures and they have recovered from their defeat by Real Sociedad with back-to-back victories in the Europa League.
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In their latest outing, United defeated Everton 2-1 on Sunday thanks to goals from Antony and Cristiano Ronaldo, following Alex Iwobi's opener, to go fifth in the table at this early stage. "We are quickly 1-0 down but the reaction of the team is good," Ten Hag said.
"One of our aims is to deal better with setbacks and stay composed. First half, [we were] pressing well and it was hard for Everton to come to come into the game, we didn't allow them, happy with that."
Reflecting on securing three points at Goodison Park, the Dutchman added: "It is difficult here, the crowd get behind them but they were six games unbeaten and it is difficult to score against them. [I am] Happy with the result and performance."
