Erik ten Hag given time to turn Manchester United’s season around despite humiliating defeat to Liverpool

Erik ten Hag will be afforded time to turn Manchester United’s season around, despite their recent humiliating defeat to Liverpool.

United suffered a 3-0 loss at home to their arch-rivals on Sunday, marking their second consecutive Premier League defeat.

Liverpool’s victory maintained their 100% start to the season, while United now languish in 14th place in the league.

The defeat has intensified the pressure on Ten Hag just three games into the new campaign.

However, United’s new hierarchy have pledged their support to the Dutchman for the time being and have indicated that they will continue backing him even if poor results persist.

Despite this backing, Ten Hag remains the favourite to be the first Premier League manager dismissed this season, with former England coach Gareth Southgate among the potential candidates to replace him.

United recently triggered a clause in Ten Hag’s contract to extend his deal until 2026, after spending the summer evaluating potential replacements.

Despite ongoing speculation about possible successors, United’s new CEO Omar Berrada, alongside the club’s new sporting director Dan Ashworth, reaffirmed their support for the 54-year-old Ten Hag.

Their comments came ahead of the Liverpool match, which has sparked renewed calls for Ten Hag’s dismissal.

“In terms of the contract, that was a decision that was taken prior to both of our rivals,” said Berrada.

“But as I said before, we’re very happy with that decision.

“Erik has our full backing and we have worked very closely together in this transfer window.

“We’re going to continue working very closely with him to help him get the best results out of the team.”

Asked if that backing would remain against the backdrop of a poor run of results, Berrada said: “Do we still believe in? Erik? Absolutely.

“We think Erik is the right coach for us and we’re fully backing him.”

Ashworth was asked if he and Berrada had any say in the decision to keep Ten Hag and said: “I didn’t start until July 1, so none whatsoever.

“All I can do is reiterate what I remember saying, which is I’ve really enjoyed working with Erik for the last eight weeks.

“I see my job is to support him in every way I possibly can, whether that’s operationally, with recruitment, with medical, psychology, training ground flow.

“It’s just to take as much of that off him, to allow him to fully focus on the training pitch and the match tactical plan to deliver success for Manchester United.”

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