Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag needs a win against Aston Villa on Sunday or could be sacked, according to a new report.
United finished a disappointing eighth last season and it is a badly kept secret that new part-owners Ineos came close to sacking the Dutchman at the end of the campaign.
However, their top choice for the job Thomas Tuchel could not find an agreement with them and after an FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, it was decided to give Ten Hag another chance.
Unfortunately, this season so far has been as bad if not worse than last and although Ineos want to be patient, The MEN’s Steven Railston says breaking point has been reached.
“Ten Hag could be sacked if United are defeated against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon,” Railston claims.
“Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox worked long hours at Carrington ahead of Thursday’s game against FC Porto.
“Ashworth and Wilcox were understood to be present late in the evening at Carrington at the beginning of the week ahead of what was billed as a huge few days for Erik ten Hag.”
Working late does not in itself mean the pair are preparing for a change in manager, but you get the impression that Railston believes the end is nigh for Ten Hag.
This is slightly at odds with The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell, whose sources have hinted Ineos would be reluctant to sack Ten Hag at this stage, although he too conceded that losses against FC Porto and Villa could leave Ineos with little choice.
In fact, the Red Devils picked up a point against Porto at the Dragão last night, but it was such a chaotic performance that a narrow 1-0 loss might have been less damning.
United let a two-goal lead slip with some horrific defending, had captain Bruno Fernandes sent off for the second match in succession and there was a bizarre half-time “tactical” substitution of Marcus Rashford, who had been electric in the opening 45 minutes.
With an international break coming up, a time that is “synonymous with managerial changes” as Railston says, and the ultimate decision maker, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, set to be present at Villa Park, Sunday really does look to be D-Day for the United manager.
Featured image Octavio Passos via Getty Images
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