Ten Hag must 'dominate' games to save Man Utd job

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 5 Sept 2024 12:15 BST
3 min read

Erik ten Hag, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag must dominate games or face the chop at Old Trafford, according to reports.

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The Dutchman has had a poor start to the season, losing to Brighton and Liverpool in his opening three Premier League matches.

The Guardian report that now his job is in danger, with Ineos chiefs concerned about the manner in which he is setting out his team.

The outlet, which ran an exclusive today, reads: "Ten Hag has been strongly backed by Ashworth and Omar Berrada, the chief executive, in recent days and this support remains for the immediate future.

"Yet Ten Hag, who signed a contract extension in the summer after United considered other candidates, has to begin to show his team can dominate games and opponents."

The club currently have the 12th highest xG in the Premier League. Their defeat to Liverpool on Sunday - a 3-0 loss - was criticised not only for the result but also the manner in which the club lost.

Liverpool, the club's biggest rivals, tore Man Utd apart in midfield, while they looked hapless on the attacking front, too.

There are some mitigating circumstances, however. The report states that the injury to Leny Yoro and the lack of support in midfield with Manuel Ugarte still yet to play means that Ten Hag has been hamstrung by not having a full squad.

Ineos want good football as well as results

© IMAGO - It's been a poor start to Ten Hag's third season

Ten Hag's style of play has often been under the spotlight at Man Utd, even when he didn't lose the game. Ineos, however, still deem wins but with poor performances as inadequate.

"The 1-0 victory over Fulham in the opening game also failed to convince and derived from a late Joshua Zirzkee goal, United again lacking control."

Ten Hag signed an extension during the summer with Man Utd, after the club set about a two-week strategic review of the managerial positon. After interviewing several candidates they decided to keep Ten Hag at his post for the forthcoming season.

The club's FA Cup win over Manchester City is believed to have gone a long way in convincing the side to stick with their man.