Erik ten Hag is on the brink at Man Utd. (Image: Getty)
were right to hand the opportunity to make things work at after he lifted a second trophy in as many years in May. But just eight games into the new season, it’s become clearer than ever that the Dutchman is out of his depth in the .
Sunday’s against was an abomination of the highest order.
I have been a season ticket holder in the 14th row of the Stretford End for 10 years, and there aren’t many occasions I’ve left Old Trafford less inspired.
United fans have now witnessed four 3-0 defeats on home turf in the last year and eight losses in their previous 20 such fixtures. Sunday showcased the 23rd time the Red Devils have conceded at least three goals in a game under Ten Hag.
The sour reading doesn’t stop there. Six wins in 20 games. One win in nine outings in Europe. United are 12th – closer to rock bottom than leaders .
Ten Hag hasn’t missed a beat when relentlessly reminding the media that he has won two trophies in as many seasons.
The Carabao Cup triumph over United in February 2023 to end a six-year silverware drought was a joyous occasion. The FA Cup victory against – having dramatically overcome in the quarter-finals – will live at the forefront of millions of memories forever.
But surely Ten Hag understands that as long as United are a mid-table side in the , supporters will understandably be unsettled.
I wanted the 54-year-old to remain in charge and felt justified in doing so after INEOS held meetings with multiple replacement candidates but decided to stick and not twist.
Ruud van Nistelrooy would be a popular pick. (Image: Getty)
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That was only a few months ago, so the managerial pool that and United’s decision-makers have at their disposal will still be limited.
But INEOS got creative in the summer by welcoming Ruud van Nistelrooy back to the club as one of Ten Hag’s assistants.
The Old Trafford icon scored 150 goals in 219 appearances for the club in his playing days but his return was a surprise.
He had established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young coaches during his short stint as PSV Eindhoven manager, lifting the Johan Cruyff Shield and KNVB Cup.
So to snub other managerial offers to become an assistant raised eyebrows. But perhaps INEOS pursued Van Nistelrooy with a contingency plan in mind.
Should Ten Hag not survive while no external candidates stand out, United now have clear option to name as caretaker manager. Van Nistelrooy at the helm would undoubtedly go down well among the fanbase.
United have already explored the club legend route with to promising effect until the wheels fell off in 2021. I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing the club attempt that route again. The football – for the most part – was decent and the vibes were better.
Even if Van Nistelrooy can halt the Red Devils’ free fall temporarily before a more established coach arrives, it’s worth the risk. Right now, Ten Hag’s regime is being left behind, and there is little sign of a renaissance. Change is required.