Should Erik ten Hag be fired, Man Utd is willing to promote Ruud van Nistelrooy as manager.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Ruud van Nistelrooy, Assistant Manager of Manchester United, gives the team instructions as Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, l
According to ESPN, Manchester United is willing to consider a new manager soon if Erik ten Hag is unable to raise the team’s level of play.
After Ten Hag led the team to FA Cup victory over Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, the Red Devils made the decision to keep Ten Hag as manager in the summer.
Although the management supported the Dutchman by going on a massive spending binge during the most recent transfer window, their Premier League performance has not improved significantly.
On Sunday, United lost to Tottenham Hotspur 3-0, which was disheartening. They had lost to Liverpool by the same score at home for the second straight league game.
After the outcome, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reluctant to respond hastily, but Ten Hag is under a lot of pressure in the run-up to the October international break.
On Wednesday, United plays in the Europa League against Porto; on Sunday, they face Aston Villa.
A “significant improvement” is required, failing which Ten Hag may face termination.
If a change is needed, it is thought that Ruud van Nistelrooy (48) as an assistant might be promoted temporarily.
Ten Hag is in a make-or-break scenario.
The 54-year-old won over the club’s supporters in May with the magnificent FA Cup victory over City.
After a lengthy season evaluation following the FA Cup final, INEOS chose to give Ten Hag a new contract, while they had originally considered making a change.
Though it was the proper move at the time, Ten Hag now finds himself in a make-or-break situation following the team’s joint-worst Premier League start.
After just six league games, United is currently six points outside of the Champions League spots, and they run the risk of losing further ground this weekend at Villa Park.
The team must also triumph in the Europa League in order to put itself in a great position to place in the top eight and advance straight to the round of 16.
To advance to the round of sixteen, the teams that place ninth through twenty-fourth will compete in a knockout play-off round.
This week presents a significant test for United because Porto and Villa are formidable opponents to play away from home.
Right now, Ten Hag has the full support of the club. To guarantee his position after the international break, he needs to avoid a loss, especially at Villa Park.
