Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has waded into the debate over Cristiano Ronaldo's comments about Erik ten Hag - as he admitted he agrees with the superstar forward's remarks about the current state of play at Manchester United.

The Portuguese icon engaged in a war of words with the Red Devils head coach as he criticized his claims that his side is currently not in a position to challenge for the Premier League or Champions League. Ten Hag's confession in pre-season that a tilt at the two major prizes on offer this season would be beyond his team came despite United winning a trophy last term.

The 20-time English champions finished eighth in the league in the previous term, with their FA Cup triumph meaning they ended a mixed campaign on a high. However, Ronaldo took issue with the Dutchman's prognosis of where his team is currently at in terms of the expectations heading into this season.

Speaking about whether winning the Premier League or Champions League represented a realistic target, Ten Hag previously told Dutch outlet AD Sportwereld: "We are really a long way away from that."

Calling out the Old Trafford boss for a perceived lack of ambition, Ronaldo issued a stern response to thins on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, saying: "[As] Manchester United coach, you cannot say that you're not going to fight to win the league or Champions League. They can win the Carabao [Cup] - Champions League or Europa League or Premier League, difficult".

The pundit also made a wider point about United's current midfield options as he admitted that he was unconvinced Casemiro deserves to remain in the starting XI. He confessed: "I don't think you can keep the faith with Casemiro. He was an unbelievable player at Real Madrid - there's no doubt about it but once your legs go, you go.

"He just had probably the worst game of his life against Liverpool, and I don't see him starting the next game at all. Whoever comes in will have a chance of getting a run in the team. But Manchester United have to be very careful because that midfield still looks all over the place, regardless of Casemiro."

The former Anfield great added: "It doesn't look like a midfield that's going to stop the opposition. It'll be interesting to see what team Erik ten Hag plays at Southampton because he is now seriously under massive pressure. When he said that the team wasn't ready yet - you never say that. I really don't get it."