For the time being, Erik ten Hag is safe from the axe at Manchester United, but “whispers” regarding his future are growing louder.
Former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton told Football Insider that Ten Hag’s performances last season will earn him additional time as United manager.
The Red Devils manager has been under severe scrutiny in recent weeks following a disappointing start to the 2023-24 season, which was exacerbated by Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City.
The tight Champions League victory over Copenhagen relieved some of the strain, but it has been suggested that United are looking for suitable replacements, especially if Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes over football operations.
According to The Sun (21 October), Graham Potter is in the running to replace Ten Hag if Ratcliffe decides to fire him.
Ratcliffe has agreed to buy a 25% stake in the club, allowing him to take over the football part of the club and make radical changes.
Despite the fact that United lost their fifth Premier League match of the season on Sunday, ending the weekend in eighth place, 11 points behind surprise leaders Tottenham, Hutton felt Ten Hag had done enough to earn further time in the United job.
“You just have to look at what he did last season,” he explained to Football Insider.
“It may not be ideal for all Man United fans and what they used to do in the past, but it is where they are now; they are building something from the ground up, and that takes time.”
“I believe they have spent a lot of money, and some of the signings haven’t worked out yet, but the whispers I’m hearing always circulate around big clubs, especially when there is a takeover.” Sometimes it’s just gossip.
“If the results take a drastic turn and they end up falling out of the European spots, they may consider changing it.”
“He hasn’t been here long, so I believe he’ll be given time, but we all know how difficult it can be at big clubs if you’re not winning games.” I believe he is in a good position at the moment.”
