Most Manchester United fans would relish the prospect of their club securing Champions League action next season, but Eamon Dunphy believes supporters should be careful what they wish for if that results in Louis van Gaal keeping his job at Old Trafford.
Clearly unimpressed by the Red Devils’ second-half capitulation in a 3-0 defeat by Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday, Dunphy was unrestrained his criticism of the Dutchman.
“I think Van Gaal has done nothing there, he’s wasted a lot of money,” the RTÉ pundit told 2fm’s Game On programme. “They never pose really a threat, even to poor teams.
"I think if they don’t qualify for the Champions League, it would be impossible for Van Gaal to keep his job.
“The real problem is, what happens if they do? I don’t think they will, but what happens if they qualify for the Champions League? Are they stuck with this guy?”
Arsenal’s title hopes took what may have been a fatal blow on Saturday when then they surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with West Ham.
“They don’t have warriors, they don’t have players who will fight" Eamon Dunphy on Arsenal
The former Millwall stalwart sees this season as an opportunity missed for the Gunners.
“Any sober reflection would say this was the greatest chance Arsenal will ever have to be champions and they’ve passed it up.
“They haven’t even really made a good stab of it. West Ham really exposed them at the weekend.
“They don’t have warriors, they don’t have players who will fight. To give up a 2-0 lead is unforgivable.”
Arsene Wenger has been at the helm of the North London club since 1996, but Dunphy believes the club must eventually consider a change of manager.
“He’s got a position now that no other coach has,” Dunphy stated. “I think that the people who run the club - and the one director who really controls the club - have total faith in Arsene Wenger and he’ll go in his own time.
“We complain about clubs sacking managers like Chelsea do or Manchester City do at will.
“In a way, you have to admire the fact that Wenger has been respected for what he’s done for the club, he’s been appreciated. But he’s making big mistakes by not signing the players he needs. It’s a question of how long you put up with that.”
