Manchester United are open to a managerial change in the near future if Erik ten Hag can’t improve the club’s performances, according to ESPN.
The Red Devils decided to continue with Ten Hag as manager in the summer after he guided the club to FA Cup glory against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.
The hierarchy backed the Dutchman with a huge spending spree in the recent transfer window, but there has not been a significant upturn in their Premier League form.
United suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. It was their second straight league defeat at home with Liverpool having beaten them by the same scoreline.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe doesn’t want to take a knee-jerk reaction after the result, but Ten Hag is under immense pressure ahead of the October international break.
United travel to Porto for the midweek Europa League game before visiting Aston Villa on Sunday.
There needs to be a ‘significant improvement’, or Ten Hag could be fired.
Promoting assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy (48) on on a short-term basis is considered a viable option if a change becomes necessary.
Ten Hag faces make or break situation
The 54-year-old won over the club’s faithful with the sublime FA Cup triumph over City back in May.
INEOS were initially pondering a change, but they decided to hand a new contract to Ten Hag following an extended season review after the FA Cup final.
It was the right decision at the time, but Ten Hag now faces a make-or-break spell after the club made their joint-worst start to a Premier League campaign.
United are already six points adrift of the Champions League places after just six league games, and they risk losing more ground in the race at Villa Park this weekend.
The club also needs to win in the Europa League to ensure that they are in a strong position to finish in the top eight to qualify directly for the round of 16.
The teams finishing from ninth to 24th will contest a knockout play-off round to qualify for the last 16.
United face a huge challenge this week as Porto and Villa are tough opposition to tackle on the road.
Ten Hag has the club’s complete backing at the moment. He must avoid a defeat, particularly at Villa Park, to ensure that he remains in the job after the international break.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
