According to recent reports, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was reportedly on the brink of being “definitely sacked” by Sir Jim Ratcliffe had his team suffered a defeat against Aston Villa.
The mounting pressure on Ten Hag stems from United’s poor start to the 2024/25 season, which has seen them struggle to find consistency both in the Premier League and in European competition.
Manchester United’s form at the beginning of the season was troubling, with only two wins in their first seven Premier League games, coupled with two lackluster draws in the Europa League. This disappointing run of results led to growing frustration within the club, and Ten Hag found himself under increasing scrutiny from fans and executives alike. The team’s performances failed to meet expectations, raising doubts about the Dutchman’s ability to turn things around.
Heading into the fixture against Aston Villa, Manchester United were not seen as favorites, a reflection of the dire situation they were in. Despite Villa’s strong form, United managed to avoid defeat, though the game ended in a goalless 0-0 draw. While this result was far from ideal, it was enough to stave off a potentially damaging loss, which might have sealed Ten Hag’s fate.
After the match, discussions were reportedly held in London involving Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other high-ranking club officials. These talks centered on Ten Hag’s future at the club, with a focus on whether or not he should be dismissed following the team’s underwhelming performances.
According to the reports, the possibility of sacking the manager was seriously considered during these meetings. However, the decision-makers ultimately chose not to take immediate action, leaving Ten Hag’s future uncertain but intact for the time being.
It appears that, despite the unsatisfactory draw, Ten Hag will remain in charge for Manchester United’s upcoming match against Brentford. This suggests that the club’s hierarchy has decided to give him more time to address the team’s struggles and improve their form. However, the pressure on Ten Hag remains high, and his ability to secure positive results in the near future will likely determine whether he stays in charge for the long term.
Former Everton chairman Keith Wyness weighed in on the situation, revealing that Ten Hag came very close to being sacked had United lost to Villa. Wyness indicated that the club’s leadership had seriously contemplated removing the manager, but opted to delay making a final decision. This suggests that Ten Hag’s position remains fragile, with the upcoming fixtures likely being critical for his future at the club.
Overall, it is clear that Manchester United’s leadership, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is deeply concerned about the team’s poor start to the season. While Ten Hag has been given a temporary reprieve, he is far from secure in his role. The manager will need to deliver improved performances and results if he is to retain the confidence of the club’s executives and fans. With pressure mounting and expectations high, the coming weeks could prove decisive for Ten Hag’s tenure at Old Trafford.