Erik ten Hag ‘planning to take charge’ of Manchester United’s next game

Erik ten Hag is set to manage Manchester United’s upcoming match, despite ongoing discussions among club executives regarding his uncertain future during a summit yesterday.

Ten Hag’s position remains precarious following six hours of talks among senior United figures in London.

However, he has chosen to go on holiday during the international break, expressing confidence that he will not be sacked before the team’s return to action against Brentford.

Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe hosted the meeting at INEOS’ headquarters in Knightsbridge, and the manager’s status was reportedly a key topic of discussion.

The Red Devils are scheduled to host Thomas Frank’s Brentford a week from Saturday in their first Premier League match back.

According to The Mirror, sources close to Ten Hag have indicated that he is focused on this upcoming fixture.

Ten Hag is expected to return to Carrington early next week to begin preparations.

Sources have informed The Mirror that it is business as usual at the club following the summit, suggesting that Ten Hag has been granted a temporary reprieve.

However, there is a growing awareness on the coach’s part that results and performances must improve, especially in light of United’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season.

Ten Hag managed to stabilise the team somewhat after a 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League and a goalless match against Aston Villa on Sunday, but these results did little to quell the intense speculation surrounding his position.

Currently, United sit 14th in the Premier League, with just two wins from seven games and a goal difference of minus three, putting Ten Hag’s job firmly on the line.

Ratcliffe was joined at the summit by co-chairman Joel Glazer, CEO Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox, and director Sir Dave Brailsford.

While United has remained tight-lipped about potential outcomes, the lack of an official statement regarding Ten Hag’s future suggests that he may remain in charge for the foreseeable future.

Nevertheless, Ratcliffe refrained from offering public support when pressed last week, stating that the decision regarding the manager is “not my call.”

The Daily Mail claims that Ten Hag’s fate will be determined by Ratcliffe, Glazer, and Brailsford, with Berrada, Ashworth, and Wilcox also providing recommendations.

The club is reportedly cautious about fueling speculation after former targets Thomas Tuchel and Simone Inzaghi were linked with the managerial position in recent days.

Should the club decide to part ways with Erik Ten Hag this season, they could consider Ruud van Nistelrooy, one of Ten Hag’s assistants, as a temporary replacement.

The United legend returned to Old Trafford this summer as part of a coaching shake-up.

Read more: Martin Zubimendi reacts to Manchester City transfer rumours

Ryan Gravenberch reveals he had good feeling about 2024/25

Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones receives first England call up