Erik Ten Hag finds himself under intensifying scrutiny at Manchester United as the club’s disappointing start to the season has raised questions about his future. Despite securing a new contract over the summer—a reward for leading United to an unexpected FA Cup final victory against their fierce rivals Manchester City—the Dutch manager is struggling to meet the high expectations that came with it. The club’s hierarchy made it clear that while the cup win was commendable, it was just the beginning. They demanded not only results but also a significant improvement in the team’s overall performances.
However, Ten Hag has found it difficult to deliver on these expectations. The 54-year-old has overseen a mixed start to the Premier League season, managing just two wins in the opening five matches. The Red Devils have suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Brighton and a humiliating 3-0 loss at home to their bitter rivals Liverpool. These setbacks have amplified the pressure on Ten Hag, who is now under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
The struggles for Manchester United have not been confined to domestic competitions. Despite playing in Europe’s second-tier tournament, the UEFA Europa League, United’s performances have been underwhelming. The recent 1-1 draw at home against FC Twente only added to the growing concerns about the team’s direction under Ten Hag’s leadership. According to a report from TBR Football, this result did little to alleviate the mounting pressure, with the club’s decision-makers reportedly starting to weigh their options.
As the situation becomes increasingly precarious for Ten Hag, rumors are swirling about potential replacements. One name that has emerged as a frontrunner is Gareth Southgate, the former England manager. Despite his controversial tenure with the national team, where he faced criticism for failing to secure a major trophy despite reaching three of the last four finals, Southgate is reportedly held in high regard by key figures at Manchester United. Sir David Brailsford, a close associate of prospective United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and sporting director Dan Ashworth are said to be particularly keen on Southgate as a candidate should the club decide to part ways with Ten Hag.
The prospect of Southgate taking the reins at Old Trafford is likely to be a polarizing one among fans. On one hand, Southgate’s experience in managing high-pressure situations and his ability to build cohesive teams could be seen as assets that United desperately need. On the other hand, his critics argue that his tenure with England was marked by cautious tactics and missed opportunities on the biggest stages, casting doubt on whether he is the right man to lead Manchester United back to the top of English and European football.
The uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s future is compounded by the fact that Manchester United is a club with a rich history and sky-high expectations. The fans are demanding success, and the board appears to be running out of patience. Should results not improve quickly, the decision-makers at United might feel compelled to make a change, with Southgate potentially being offered one of the most challenging roles in football.
In the coming weeks, Ten Hag’s ability to turn the tide will be crucial. If he can rally his team and deliver the results the club so desperately needs, he may yet salvage his position. However, if the current trend of poor performances continues, the calls for change will only grow louder, and Gareth Southgate could find himself facing the daunting task of restoring Manchester United to its former glory.