Speaking to Sky Sports, Mike Phelan said: "Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff have made a difference, from what was left. They are changing lot of things and doing it quickly. There is a definite difference in standards, you can see that.
"There has been great success, or relatively great success in one year and I'm sure he wants to push on. It's been a little bit up and down at the start of the season but that happens. I think they can progress and make bigger strides.
"They have spent a lot of money but he needs time, everyone needs time to put their mark on things. People forget that, but you have to win football matches. It's Manchester United — you lose two or three in a row and it's probably a crisis.
"Having lived it, I understand what he's going through. There is a story about Man United every day, all different mediums now to find a story. There's a lot of work to do but he's trying, he's finding ways to find his feet still. But they need results."
Phelan worked as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Man United before returning to Old Trafford in a coaching role under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.
As for Ten Hag, the Dutchman is not tasked with winning the Premier League this season although securing another trophy is expected of the manager.
