As Manchester United gears up for their upcoming match, manager Erik ten Hag is determined to take the reins, even though discussions about his uncertain future have been swirling among club executives.
Recently, a summit held in London lasted six hours, indicating that the conversation around Ten Hag’s position is far from over.
Despite the ongoing deliberations, he has decided to take a holiday during the international break, feeling confident that his job is safe ahead of the crucial game against Brentford.
Club Meeting Highlights
The recent meeting was hosted by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe at INEOS’ headquarters in Knightsbridge.
Ten Hag’s situation was undoubtedly a key topic on the agenda, with various senior figures from the club present, including co-chairman Joel Glazer, CEO Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox, and director Sir Dave Brailsford.
While the club has been tight-lipped about the outcomes, the lack of a public statement regarding Ten Hag suggests that he is likely to stay in charge for now.
Focus on the Upcoming Match
The Red Devils are set to host Brentford a week from Saturday in their first Premier League game after the international break.
According to sources close to Ten Hag, he is fully concentrated on this match.
Plans are already in motion for his return to Carrington early next week to kick off preparations.
Even after the intense meeting, things seem to be business as usual at the club, with Ten Hag seemingly granted a reprieve for the time being.
The Need for Improvement
That said, there’s a clear acknowledgment from Ten Hag that both results and performances must improve, especially given that United has had its worst start to a Premier League season in history.
Recently, the team managed to stabilize slightly with a 3-3 draw against Porto in the Europa League and a goalless draw against Aston Villa.
However, these results have done little to quell the rampant speculation surrounding his future.
Current Standing and Challenges
Currently, Manchester United sits at a disappointing 14th place in the league, having secured only two wins out of seven matches and facing a troubling goal difference of minus three.
This precarious position means that Ten Hag’s job hangs in the balance, with the stakes higher than ever.
Who’s Making the Decisions?
Mail Sport reports that the decision on Ten Hag’s future will ultimately lie with Ratcliffe, Glazer, and Brailsford, while Berrada, Ashworth, and Wilcox will provide their recommendations.
The club is cautious about fueling speculation, especially as names like Thomas Tuchel and Simone Inzaghi have recently been linked with the managerial position.
Should the club decide to make a change this season, they may consider Ruud van Nistelrooy, one of Ten Hag’s assistants, as a temporary replacement.
Van Nistelrooy, a United legend, returned to Old Trafford this summer as part of a broader coaching overhaul.
What Lies Ahead?
As the international break comes to a close, all eyes will be on Ten Hag and his squad as they prepare to face Brentford.
The outcome of that match could significantly influence the discussions surrounding his future at Manchester United.
The next few weeks are critical, not only for the team’s performance but also for Ten Hag’s managerial career.
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