Manchester United’s recent run of form has cast serious doubt over Erik ten Hag’s future in the dugout.
Had it been any other season, the Dutchman may have been given the benefit of the doubt after a hectic but otherwise successful maiden campaign at Old Trafford.
However, the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe has essentially seen Ten Hag put on borrowed time, with him having to make a lasting impact on the new co-owner or risk losing his job.
Ratcliffe’s era at the club is only just at the very beginning and like with any other ownership and board shake-up, it’ll take time for the project to really kickstart after the Glazers’ tumultuous reign.
But he’d certainly like to have the foundations already in place of a team that is playing attractive football, even if that does come with a few slip-ups along the way. Last term that may well have been the case, but you’d struggle to find many fans who can admit they actually enjoy the way United have played as of late.
Add that to the fact that a top-four finish is now mathematically ruled out, meaning there’ll be no Champions League football taking place at the Theatre of Dreams in 2024/2025, and also that United are dangerously close to what could be a worst-ever Premier League finish on record.
Ten Hag none the wiser
HITC sources claim that as it stands, Ten Hag is entirely in the dark over his tenure. Their report adds that he has ‘privately admitted that he does not know whether he will still be in charge beyond the end of this season’.
Only time will tell, it seems.
This will be clarified at the latest by the end of May. By which time we will have lost our last few league matches and the Cup Final.
Or for the incurably optimistic: clicked into form, secured a mind-blowing 6th place, and stuffed the 115 boys at Wembley.
Your breath is what you shouldn’t hold for the latter option.