The Pressure on Erik Ten Hag
Manchester United’s poor start to the season has left Erik Ten Hag’s future at the club uncertain. The 13-time Premier League champions currently sit 14th in the league with just eight points from seven matches, their worst start in Premier League history. This has led to growing speculation surrounding the manager’s role.
The pressure has mounted on Ten Hag after a series of disappointing results, including a 3-3 draw in the Europa League against Porto and a goalless draw with Aston Villa. Although these results ended a string of defeats, they did little to alleviate concerns about his management.
Leadership Meeting: What’s Next for Ten Hag?
On Tuesday, a crucial meeting took place in London between Manchester United’s leadership, including minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Sir Dave Brailsford, and Dan Ashworth. The meeting centered around the club’s poor form, signaling a critical juncture for United’s future.
Potential Replacements: Thomas Tuchel and Ruud van Nistelrooy
As speculation around Ten Hag’s position intensifies, two key figures are emerging as potential replacements:
- Thomas Tuchel, the former Chelsea boss, has long been rumored to be favored by Ratcliffe. Tuchel was linked with Manchester United over the summer when Ten Hag’s position was under review. However, financial concerns previously blocked his appointment.
- Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former Manchester United striker and now Ten Hag’s assistant, is another option. Van Nistelrooy, who previously managed PSV Eindhoven, is well-regarded at Old Trafford and has a strong connection with the players and staff, making him a viable candidate for the role of interim manager.
What’s Next for Manchester United?
With the club’s current crisis, United’s board, including co-chairman Joel Glazer, will deliberate on the future of Ten Hag. The outcome of this week’s meeting will be pivotal in deciding whether the Dutch manager remains in charge or if the club opts for a change. While no final decision has been made yet, Manchester United is cautious about fueling further speculation.
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For the latest updates on Manchester United’s managerial situation, visit BBC Sport’s Manchester United News.