Frank Christian
Erik ten Hag is optimistic about remaining as Manchester United’s manager after the upcoming international break in October.
Following a disappointing 3-0 loss to Tottenham at home, speculation arose that the Dutch coach had only two matches left to prove himself.
Manchester United drew 3-3 with Porto in the UEFA Europa League after leading 2-0, and then managed a goalless draw against Aston Villa on October 6, resulting in just two points from those outings.
Given these outcomes, the club’s management is anticipated to evaluate Ten Hag’s future during the domestic break.
Amidst growing pressure, Ten Hag expressed at Villa Park that he remains dedicated, citing ongoing support from club officials.
“We have regular discussions with the club management, and we are aligned in our goals, committed to a long-term plan,” he stated.
“We’ve faced two challenging away matches, demonstrating the team’s belief and trust in each other.”
While Ten Hag’s assurances may not quell the doubts regarding his long-term position at Old Trafford, the draw against Villa might have provided him some relief before facing Brentford at home on October 19.
The future for Ten Hag is a significant talking point among analysts and fans. Former Premier League player Clinton Morrison suggests that the recent draws may help him retain his position for now.
“Those two draws likely help Ten Hag keep his job, but the scrutiny remains,” he noted on Sky Sports.
“Manchester United’s current league position is concerning. They faced Villa at a pivotal moment, yet this doesn’t alleviate the pressure on Ten Hag or the club.”
Conversely, another Sky Sports analyst, and former United player Dimitar Berbatov, believes the criticism directed at Ten Hag will intensify.
“The pressure will only increase. United must secure more wins and points. Being 14th in the league is surprising, but with their current form, it will be tough to move up,” he commented.
“The criticism will continue to grow”
Dimitar Berbatov and Les Ferdinand assess the pressure on Erik ten Hag pic.twitter.com/n6nLJbWgHk
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 6, 2024
Despite the recent draw at Villa, Ten Hag remains the leading candidate for dismissal among Premier League managers, with many bookmakers favoring his assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy as a potential successor, at least until the season’s end.
