Erik ten Hag's future as Manchester United's manager is currently in question, as the team struggles with disappointing performances. Ten Hag, who is in his second season, faced criticism after a series of poor results, culminating in a demoralizing 4-0 defeat against Manchester City. Although he gained early support for a successful debut season, the recent decline in form has led to scrutiny regarding his position. The management is reportedly planning to hold crucial discussions about his future in the coming week, particularly after the next match against Burnley.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a significant stakeholder in Manchester United and head of INEOS, has refrained from publicly supporting Ten Hag, claiming that the decision on the manager's future is ultimately not his. This has fueled speculation about Ten Hag's fate, with reports suggesting that results in subsequent matches may determine whether he remains in charge. Ratcliffe stated, "I don’t feel I can make any sort of call on that" when asked about Ten Hag, indicating that any decision would stem from the board's assessments rather than his personal view.
Former players, including Jamie Carragher, have criticized Ratcliffe's indirect handling of the situation, suggesting that his reluctance to offer clear backing reflects poorly on both Ratcliffe's role and Ten Hag's standing within the club. Recent commentary underscores a sentiment that stability is essential for any progress at Manchester United, as constantly altering coaching staff could hinder long-term development. The next few matches are seen as pivotal, as they either reinforce Ten Hag's position or open the door for a potential managerial change in the coming weeks.