Manchester United have privately admitted that, despite their dismal start to the season, they are reluctant to part ways with Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman, who arrived with much fanfare and a vision to rejuvenate the club, has found himself under immense pressure as the Red Devils continue to struggle on the pitch. However, according to reports, the club’s hierarchy is eager to avoid taking the drastic step of dismissing him, at least for now, even as fans and pundits grow increasingly restless.
The recent 0-0 draw against Aston Villa has only intensified the uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s future. The stalemate leaves United with just two wins from their opening seven league matches, and they now sit a worrying 14th in the Premier League standings. As the October international break begins, speculation is rife that Ten Hag’s time could be running out. Yet, despite this poor form, the Dutch manager may still retain the club’s support for the time being, as internal discussions take place to determine the way forward.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a significant figure in Manchester United’s ownership structure, was present at Villa Park for the match, marking his second visit of the season. He was seen sitting in the directors’ box alongside a host of influential figures, including Sir Dave Brailsford, Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth, Jason Wilcox, and none other than Sir Alex Ferguson. Ratcliffe’s presence has further fueled the conversation around Ten Hag’s future, as his input is expected to play a key role in the decisions that lie ahead.
Manchester United’s leadership, including Ratcliffe and co-chairman Joel Glazer, are set to hold crucial meetings in Manchester on Monday, followed by further discussions in London the following day. Joel Glazer is expected to fly in from the United States to participate in these talks, which could be pivotal in determining the fate of Ten Hag. The Dutchman’s future is likely to dominate the agenda, with Manchester United’s form leaving much to be desired. As the club grapples with its poor start, the pressure to make a decision on Ten Hag has become unavoidable.
The numbers paint a grim picture for Manchester United this season. After seven league matches, they have won just two, scoring a meager five goals in the process. Even more worrying is their form across all competitions, where they have managed just three victories in 11 outings. These wins include a Carabao Cup success over Barnsley and league victories against Fulham and Southampton—hardly the level of performance expected from a club of United’s stature. Their struggles have extended to European competition as well, with only one win in their last 10 European fixtures. Their most recent collapse against Porto in the Europa League leaves them with just two points from six, a far cry from the success the club craves on the continental stage.
Despite the growing external pressure and mounting criticism, Erik ten Hag remains defiant. He insists that the mood within Old Trafford is far more positive than the media portrays. However, this defiance is unlikely to shield him from the reality of Manchester United’s struggles, and the upcoming discussions will be crucial in determining his future. According to sources, United are hesitant to dismiss Ten Hag, particularly after investing heavily in him during the summer transfer window. The club spent £200 million on new signings to strengthen the squad, a clear indication of their commitment to backing Ten Hag.
In addition to their summer investments, Manchester United’s ownership group, INEOS, activated a one-year extension in Ten Hag’s contract, keeping him tied to the club until 2026. This move, part of their agreement with the manager, suggests a long-term vision for Ten Hag’s
leadership.