Ten Hag’s future had become increasingly uncertain as last season went on but, after beating Manchester City to win the FA Cup in May, the club’s hierarchy decided to stick with the Dutchman after conducting a review.
With some exciting young players at the club, Ten Hag has stressed that Manchester United are in a transitional period, but the booing from their fans would suggest they, understandably, believe their side should be closer to Liverpool.
Manchester United finished 22 points behind Liverpool last season, and there was little to suggest on Sunday that they will not be as far behind as that again this term.
“Liverpool fully deserved their victory,” added Neville.
“It was a sobering day for Erik ten Hag, his players and for the new ownership sat in the stand en-masse, looking at it and thinking whether they’re on the right path. That’s the question they have to ask in the next few months.”
The statistics from the game would suggest there wasn’t much in it. Both had three shots on target, while it was Manchester United who edged possession.
“The statistics don’t tell the story,” added Keane. “It was far from an even game.
“Liverpool were very good and very efficient. They looked stronger and they looked fitter. You can try to dress it up a little bit but United were shocking.
“They are making the same mistakes as last year.”
The defeat means Manchester United have now lost three of their last five Premier League home games against Liverpool, as many defeats as across their previous such 18 matches.
United have also lost two of their opening three matches of a Premier League campaign for the third time in the last five seasons, with Ten Hag the only manager to suffer that fate twice with the club in the competition.
“It was brilliant from Liverpool,” former Manchester United striker Dion Dublin said on BBC Radio 5 live.
“United are still miles off it. Liverpool worked so hard out of possession and United looked all over the place. The passing and shape was terrible.”