Under Erik ten Hag, Manchester United avoided defeat against Porto and Aston Villa, two crucial matches that could determine his future. However, Ten Hag’s position is still far from secure.
Club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was present at Villa Park, accompanied by Sir Dave Brailsford and other members of the new Manchester United management team, such as Dan Ashworth, Omar Berrada, and Jason Wilcox. Legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson was also in attendance, keeping a close eye on the situation.
Although United didn’t lose to an Aston Villa side full of momentum after their midweek win against Bayern Munich, their performance didn’t show many positive signs.
Ten Hag had to rely on veteran centre-backs Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire after Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez struggled against Porto. Keeping a clean sheet might be seen as a reason to celebrate, but it also highlights how stuck Ten Hag is. He brought in several of his trusted players from Ajax, yet ended up going back to those previously deemed “surplus.”
The international break often presents an ideal moment to make managerial changes, but Ten Hag is hoping that two recent draws will delay such thoughts from those tasked with making big decisions at Old Trafford.
Had either of the last two matches, particularly the one against Villa, ended in defeat, Ten Hag’s sense of danger would be much greater. Nevertheless, United’s poor start to the Premier League season will undoubtedly be high on the agenda when the club’s top executives meet on Tuesday.
The international break provides time for United — and Ten Hag — to fully assess the situation before making any final decisions.
So, if Ten Hag is sacked, who could replace him?
Former England manager Gareth Southgate, currently available after stepping down following EURO 2024, has the support of senior figures at Manchester United. However, this idea doesn’t attract much attention from the club’s fanbase.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, who has rejoined Manchester United as part of Ten Hag’s backroom staff, is also considered a strong candidate for the managerial role at Old Trafford.
Simone Inzaghi, Inter Milan’s coach, who led them to the 2023 Champions League final and won the 2023/24 Serie A, has already turned down an offer from United.
Ipswich Town’s manager, Kieran McKenna, who was highly regarded during his time as assistant to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at United, is also a candidate, though it may be too early for the 38-year-old as he still lacks sufficient experience.
As for Ten Hag, he hopes that some signs of recovery, however slight, seen over the past week may delay Manchester United’s board from making a sweeping decision.