Let me rebut you point by point.
1. No manager walks in a says team is shite - Yes there is. Example 1.Ralf Rangnick, 2. Pep Guardiola, 3.To a lesser extent Klopp and Mou. Prevented to say they are shite, probably. But if that is so, why unleash his tongue now?
2. You really believe he's stupid enough to believe or continue to make such misplaced assumptions, really? I have a bridge I'm trying to sell by the way. Assumption is that there is about 20million worth of steel, and only costs 1million to extract. Or I could introduce you to my Nigerian prince. Anyone, anyone really can already see the sad sad state that our players are in, based on last season.
3. So back to my original post which you quoted. What the heck was he doing for the last 4 months, with 1.5 under preseason and training daily?
At least we agree he's in trouble. I still don't understand how on earth does a champion walk into a landmine like this, except for having KNOWN its a landmine, but you will get paid handsomely and just need to pretend like Ted Lasso. (Remember Ted was not paid well, unlike Erik).
This brings me to the last point - HE convinced MUFC to allow him to take the reigns. HE convinced the management that those shite players are actually good. HE SANG the most beautiful hymn to the Glazers - ye shall not spend, ye shall receive!. HE convinced MUFC that there is this wonder boy whom he knows closely like a brother, daily in conversation and will the only piece of puzzle we need to purchase. He convinced MUFC that said wonderboy is easily signable. HE CONVINCED US OF EVERYTHING. HE CONVINCED US OF THE BRIDGE. Now, wake up!