Manchester United’s Board Backing Erik ten Hag Amid Struggles
Despite Manchester United’s dismal start to the season and mounting pressure on Dutch boss Erik ten Hag, the club’s board is reportedly eager to support him. The Red Devils suffered a 3-0 defeat to a rotated Newcastle side in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, adding to the scrutiny surrounding their manager.
United has lost five out of ten Premier League games this season and currently sits in eighth place. Furthermore, they are third in their Champions League group after defeats to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray. Ten Hag has struggled to bring his attractive Ajax-style of football to Old Trafford, and the poor performances have raised questions about his future.
Club legend Gary Neville even suggested on social media that Ten Hag might be on the brink of being sacked. However, ESPN reports that club officials are currently standing by the Dutchman. They are keen to continue with Ten Hag but are well aware that the current situation cannot persist for much longer.
United has had its worst league start through ten games since 1986, and taunts of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” have become a common refrain, with even Newcastle supporters joining in the mockery.
Ten Hag is fully aware that he is fighting for his future. After taking responsibility for the defeat against Eddie Howe’s side and apologizing to the fans, he said, “It was not good enough.” He continued, “We have to take responsibility for it. I have to take responsibility for it. We didn’t give the performance, so I am sorry to the fans. It is below our standards, and we have to put it right. We have to recover from it and do it quickly.”
It would reportedly cost United more than £15 million to part ways with Ten Hag, a financial consideration that may influence the decision-making process regarding his future.
While Ten Hag has faced jeers from the home crowd at Old Trafford in recent weeks, he still retains some support, as evidenced by applause when he left the pitch on Wednesday. However, both Ten Hag and the board recognize that this disappointing run cannot continue for much longer without potential consequences for the manager’s job security.