Recent reports have fueled speculation that Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was close to being dismissed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe had the team lost their recent Premier League match against Aston Villa. The pressure on Ten Hag has been escalating due to the team’s disappointing start to the 2024/25 season, with results failing to meet the expectations of a club of United’s stature.
United’s early-season challenges have been notable, as they secured only two wins in their first seven Premier League matches. Additionally, two lackluster draws in the Europa League have left fans and club executives worried about the team’s direction under Ten Hag. With growing dissatisfaction among fans and increasing concern within the club, Ten Hag’s position became precarious before the Villa match.
As United prepared for the game against Aston Villa, the urgency was palpable. Despite Villa’s strong form, United was viewed as the underdog—an unfamiliar situation for the club in recent years. The match ended in a dull goalless draw, failing to boost confidence or alleviate worries about Ten Hag’s leadership. The team’s struggle to penetrate Villa’s defense heightened speculation about a possible managerial change.
After the match, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other key executives met in London to discuss Ten Hag’s future. Fans and pundits were eagerly awaiting the outcome, many believing a decision on Ten Hag’s dismissal was imminent. However, despite the mounting pressure, no official announcement was made regarding his fate. Reports indicate that Ten Hag will remain in charge for the upcoming match against Brentford, although his position is still precarious.
Former Everton chairman Keith Wyness added to the speculation by stating that Ten Hag was indeed at risk of being sacked had United lost to Villa. He mentioned that the club’s leadership had considered parting ways with the Dutch manager but ultimately reversed their decision after the Villa game. His comments have intensified the discussion about Ten Hag’s future, raising questions about how long he can hold onto his job if results do not improve.
This situation leaves Manchester United in a state of uncertainty, with the club’s leadership appearing divided on the way forward. Ten Hag, who arrived with high hopes after his success at Ajax, now faces a struggle to secure his position, with each upcoming match crucial for his future. The manager’s ability to turn around United’s fortunes is under intense scrutiny, and the coming weeks could be critical for both his career and the club’s direction.
As fans await United’s next match against Brentford, the pressing question remains: can Ten Hag turn the club’s fortunes around in time to avoid what increasingly seems like an inevitable managerial change? With pressure mounting and discussions intensifying within the boardroom, Ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United could be nearing its end.
