Sir Jim Ratcliffe will make a rare visit to the UK this weekend to watch Manchester United’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa from the director’s box, according to reports. The Ineos boss’ presence will serve as a stark reminder of the potential magnitude of the trip to Villa Park for Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag’s Future Hangs in the Balance
The Dutchman is on the brink, with Manchester United fans overwhelmingly calling for his dismissal. A recent survey conducted by the Manchester Evening News saw 14,300 readers respond, with a staggering 84% voting for Ten Hag to be sacked. Just 14% believe he deserves more time.This comes after a dismal run of results, with United winning just six of their last 19 league games and one of their last nine European outings. The Red Devils are currently 13th in the Premier League, having beaten only Fulham, Southampton, and Barnsley this term.
Summer Signings Fail to Inspire
Ten Hag was heavily backed in the summer transfer window, bringing in Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Manuel Ugarte. However, United have managed just three wins in all competitions, sparking widespread criticism.
Fan Opinion Shifts Dramatically
In the aftermath of the FA Cup final, 78% of fans believed Ten Hag deserved to stay, with just 13% calling for his departure. Fast-forward 132 days, and the tide has turned decisively.
International Break Looms
The upcoming international break is often synonymous with managerial changes. United’s clash with Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon takes on added significance, as defeat could seal Ten Hag’s fate. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new football structure will ultimately decide whether to continue backing the under-fire manager.
Ruud van Nistelrooy Emerges as Interim Option
Speculation surrounds Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is reportedly popular with the players, as a potential interim replacement. Legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson has already snubbed his former side, reportedly naming a replacement for Ten Hag should he be moved on.
Ten Hag’s Treatment of Rashford Under Scrutiny
Questions have also been raised about Ten Hag’s handling of Marcus Rashford, adding to the pressure mounting on the Dutchman.
Despite having a beautiful game yesterday in 45 mins, 30 touches, 16/19 accurate passes, 8 touches in opp. box, 4/4 duels won, 3/3 dribbles completed, 1/1 successful tackles, one goal and one assist, Erik took him off to bring on Garnacho with the reason that they needed to rotate. It begs the question is all well between Ten Hag and the English winger?
United’s Awful Start
The Red Devils have made their joint worst-ever start in Premier League history. Club chiefs initially backed Ten Hag but have now given him two games to prove himself.
United’s Europa League outing against Porto ended in chaos, as they squandered a 2-0 lead, eventually equalizing in stoppage time. Captain Bruno Fernandes’s consecutive red cards have only intensified the spotlight on Ten Hag.
Can Erik ten Hag turn things around against Aston Villa? The clock is ticking.