Erik ten Hag ‘doesn’t have much time to turn things around’ at Manchester United

This week, Manchester United made a significant decision regarding their managerial situation – though it wasn’t what most people expected.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has informed Sir Alex Ferguson that his 11-year tenure as the club’s ambassador will come to an end next June.

However, the minority shareholder has opted to retain Erik ten Hag as manager, despite growing calls from fans for his dismissal following United’s worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign.

Ten Hag has survived the October international break and will remain in charge for Saturday’s clash against Brentford at Old Trafford.

With a congested fixture list ahead, there seems to be little room for change before the next international break in November.

BBC Sport Africa’s Isaac Fanin weighs in on United’s challenging start to the season, Erik ten Hag’s position, and previews Saturday’s critical showdown against Brentford.

Manchester United have struggled so far this season under Erik ten Hag. What’s your general overview of the Red Devils so far?

Isaac Fanin: There was a lot of pressure on Ten Hag to start the season with a bang given the pressure on him at the end of last season and the fact that the new owners Ineos backed him and spent around £200million on new players this summer. The fact they’ve had there worst start to a Premier League season ever isn’t a glowing endorsement. But I saw United play against Palace where it was a 0-0 draw and there were some pretty patterns of play undermined by a lack of finishing. It will be interesting to see whether Ten Hag can get his squad more clinical.

Before the season kicked off, some Man United supporters wanted Ten Hag sacked despite winning the FA Cup last term. Do you think the owners made the right decision to stick with the Dutchman?

Isaac Fanin: I’m always an advocate of giving manager’s time. But there can be a toxic way element when a club has such a prolonged period of mediocrity and I think he doesn’t have much time to turn things around.

Several players are underperforming this season including skipper Bruno Fernandes. What do you think is the main issue and what needs to be done with matches coming thick and fast after the international break?

Isaac Fanin: They need to score more goals simply. I really like Joshua Zirkzee, think there’s a load of potential there but he’s not the most deadly of finishers. Rasmus Hojlund showed flashes but wasn’t someone who you could rely on. I think they need the 20 goal season from Marcus Rashford that they had a few years ago. If they can get that then I think they can be a very dangerous squad.

Manchester United’s new part-owners, INEOS, have intensified their cost-cutting measures by ending a multi-million-pound annual commitment to Sir Alex Ferguson. Any thoughts?

Isaac Fanin: On the face of it, it looks a bit ruthless but when they bought the 25% stake in the club from the Glazer family they set out on a cost cutting measures to invest in the team. There won’t be complaints if the money they’ve spent starts to turn into wins. However Manchester United are Manchester United largely because of Sir Alex Ferguson. As Eric Cantona said “Sir Alex Ferguson should be able to do anything he wants at the club until the day he dies.”

After the international break, Manchester United take on Brentford at Old Trafford. What are the team’s chances ahead of the game and what will be your prediction?

Isaac Fanin: Brentford have low key had a brilliant season, Thomas Frank has reimagined the way they play so it will be a tough test. But a home win is 💯 what the doctor ordered or else the pressure on Ten Hag will be immense.

Thanks to Isaac Fanin for his overview of Erik ten Hag’s performance at Manchester United so far this season. You can follow Isaac on X, @isaac_fanin.

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