No indication over Erik Ten Hag decision after seven-hour Manchester United meeting

Manchester United executives convened for a seven-hour crisis meeting on Tuesday as uncertainty looms over Erik ten Hag’s position as manager.

The discussion, which took place in London, was primarily focused on Ten Hag’s future following the team’s dismal start to the season.

Currently sitting in 14th place in the Premier League, Manchester United have secured just two wins from seven games and have a goal difference of minus three, raising serious questions about Ten Hag’s job security.

Co-owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Joel Glazer participated in the meeting alongside CEO Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox, and director Sir Dave Brailsford.

The meeting began at 10 am and concluded shortly before 5 p.m.

To avoid media attention, Ratcliffe and Brailsford exited through a rear entrance.

United’s current tally of eight points marks their worst start to a season in over 50 years, intensifying the pressure on the club’s leadership to consider a managerial change to revive the team’s fortunes.

During the international break, Ten Hag travelled on holiday, asserting that he remains aligned with his United bosses and has their full support.

However, that confidence has been tested in recent weeks, particularly after the team failed to qualify for the Champions League last season.

This is a critical concern, as missing out on Europe’s elite competition again could cost United around £50 million, prompting the hierarchy to contemplate whether Ten Hag can secure a top-four finish.

Should Ten Hag be relieved of his duties, potential successors include former England manager Gareth Southgate, Inter Milan head coach Simone Inzaghi, and ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel.

Additionally, former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, currently part of the first-team coaching staff, is prepared to take charge on an interim basis.

United’s attacking struggles are evident, with the team managing only five league goals so far this season – surpassing only Southampton for the fewest in the top flight.

The club has also stumbled in their Europa League campaign, drawing matches against FC Twente and Porto, which has left them 21st in the table, with only the top 24 teams qualifying for the knockout stage.

Former United striker Andy Cole has defended Ten Hag, highlighting that he won the League Cup in his first season and the FA Cup last season.

Cole believes there is still hope for improvement as the season progresses.

“For an individual to win two cup competitions in their first two seasons, that’s not lucky,” he said.

“You can’t be lucky two seasons on the bounce.

“The club will do whatever they decide to do, but if you look at the bigger picture, you can’t just blame the manager.

“The manager picks the players, but the players are the ones that have to go out there and win football matches.”

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