Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United is uncertain, with reports indicating that the Dutchman could be dismissed as soon as next week if he fails to achieve positive results in the team’s upcoming matches.
According to an ESPN report on Monday, Ten Hag is under significant pressure following United’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at home in the Premier League. Currently sitting in 13th place with a negative goal difference after just six matches, the stakes for the manager have never been higher.
“There is now a real possibility that Ten Hag is entering the final days of his reign as United manager,” ESPN stated, highlighting that both the Europa League match against Porto on Thursday and the Premier League game against Aston Villa on Sunday could be crucial.
Sources from ESPN have suggested that only wins in both fixtures might be sufficient to persuade Manchester United’s owners and leadership to keep Ten Hag in charge. “Positive performances will mean little if United heads into the international break without a victory,” they added.
Despite winning the FA Cup last season, Ten Hag’s difficulties in the Premier League and Europe have come under scrutiny. Last season, United finished eighth and exited the Champions League at the group stage, prompting internal evaluations of his position.
Although Ten Hag was surprisingly retained over the summer, that decision seems to have been merely a temporary measure.
ESPN further reported that the club’s leadership, including minority owner Jim Ratcliffe, director of sport Dave Brailsford, and CEO Omar Berrada, are ready to make a managerial change if results do not improve. “The club believes they are well-prepared to make a change if results and performances do not pick up,” sources revealed.
The situation is so critical that UK bookmakers have made Ten Hag the favourite to be the next Premier League manager sacked.
A number of potential replacements are being considered, including Gareth Southgate, Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and even former United player Ruud van Nistelrooy.
