Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United is hanging by a thread, with reports suggesting the Dutchman could be sacked as early as next week if he fails to deliver positive results in the club’s upcoming matches.
According to ESPN in a post on Monday, Ten Hag is under immense pressure following United’s 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham in the Premier League.
With the club currently languishing in 13th place and holding a negative goal difference after just six games, the stakes have never been higher for the Dutch manager.
“There is now a real possibility that Ten Hag is entering the final days of his reign as United manager,” ESPN reported, noting that both the Europa League clash against Porto on Thursday and the Premier League fixture against Aston Villa on Sunday could be decisive.
ESPN sources have indicated that only victories in both games may be enough to convince Manchester United’s owners and leadership team to retain Ten Hag.
“Positive performances will mean little if United go into the international break without a win,” ESPN added.
Despite winning the FA Cup last season, Ten Hag’s struggles in the Premier League and Europe have put him under scrutiny.
United finished eighth last season and exited the Champions League at the group stage, leading to internal reviews about his future.
While Ten Hag was surprisingly retained during the summer, the decision appears to have been only a temporary reprieve.
ESPN further reported that the club’s leadership, including minority owner Jim Ratcliffe, director of sport Dave Brailsford, and CEO Omar Berrada, are prepared to make a managerial change if results don’t improve.
“The club believe they are well-prepared to make a change if results and performances do not pick up,” sources said.
The situation is dire enough that bookmakers in the UK have Ten Hag as the favourite to be the next Premier League manager to be sacked.
A host of potential replacements, including Gareth Southgate, Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and even former United player Ruud van Nistelrooy, are being mentioned as possible successors.
