Erik ten Hag is expected to remain in charge of Manchester United for crucial games against Porto and Aston Villa despite mounting pressure on the Dutchman.
United turned in a dismal display against Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday, thrashed 3-0 for the second home league game in a row.
They were swept aside in similarly dominant fashion by Liverpool four weeks ago with another alarming performance this weekend leaving Ten Hag’s future at the club in real doubt.
Sunday’s performance against Spurs was described as ‘disgusting’ by Gary Neville with another former captain in Ashley Young urging players to hold a crisis meeting today without their manager present.
Things do not get any easier for Ten Hag with a Europa League meeting away to Porto looming on Thursday before a trip to Aston Villa on Sunday – United’s final games before October’s international break.
But despite the mounting pressure with concern within the club rife, The Telegraph report there are no plans for an immediate change in the dugout with Ten Hag still retaining the support of the club’s hierarchy.
Chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox watched on from the stands stony-faced as United were dismantled on Sunday.
Ten Hag retains their backing for now, but is in dire need of some positive results before this month’s international break.
United have failed to score in three of their last four league games and are already eight points adrift of leaders Liverpool after six games played. With Chelsea and Aston Villa starting the season well, major doubts are already emerging over their top four credentials.
United’s European campaign started with disappointment last Wednesday, held to a 1-1 draw at home to FC Twente. Ten Hag has won just one of his last nine European games as United boss following last season’s disastrous Champions League campaign and take on a Porto side who have won six of their seven games this season.
United opted to stick with Ten Hag during the summer following the club’s FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City, triggering an option to extend is contract to 2026.
Thomas Tuchel was among the managers United officials spoke to before making that decision with former England boss Gareth Southgate also admired by INEOS.
Ten Hag dismissed suggestions he was on the brink of losing his job on Sunday.
‘No, I am not thinking about this,’ he said. ‘We all made this decision to stay together, as an ownership, as a leadership group in the summer.
He continued: ‘We are all on one page or in one boat together – the ownership, the leadership group, the staff and the players as well. I don’t have that concern.’
Source link