Hull City owner Acun Ilicali wades in on Manchester United Erik ten Hag debate

Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has waded into the debate surrounding Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag as the Dutchman continues to find himself under pressure at Old Trafford. The Tigers chief said he would have sent ten Hag packing before now.

Ilicali watched from the directors' box at Saracoglu on Thursday night as Fenerbahce came from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw in a feisty Europa League contest which saw ex-United boss Jose Mourinho sent off.

The City owner, who is now vice-president of the Turkish giants, posed for pictures with United's back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and Fenerbache chief Ali Koc after it finished all square in Istanbul. Bayindir was handed flowers by the club official and received a warm welcome from the home supporters as he went through his warm-up.

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City's chairman, in conversation with talkSPORT, admits the Old Trafford giants have endured a disappointing period, while raising questions about the mentality of Dutch coaches working in this country ahead of today's clash with West Ham at the Olympic Stadium.

"He's a good coach, but sometimes the chemistry doesn't happen in football," City's supremo said. "Bayern Munich had the same thing too. For me, I always look at one or two steps forward in my mind, imagine, then I decide about today and I always decide early. I don't want to lose time.

"So, I think, unfortunately, this match is not a good match, the coach and the club. From my point of view, there should have been a separation before. I wasn’t expecting too much from Manchester United because although Manchester United is a big team and a fantastic brand, unfortunately, with the way they play, they have been disappointing last year. They didn’t make a big impact [against Fenerbahce].

"Actually, I don't feel like the Dutch mentality is very suitable for Britain. If you ask me my opinion, the reason German coaches are more successful is they are more down to earth, they are more flexible, so they started getting success all around the world. I'm not talking individuals, I’m talking in general, but Dutch coaches are a little more cold, they are all more distant with the team. And that’s what I see in Manchester, generally - everything is too mechanical, I mean, there is not a human feeling, I feel."