Man Utd insider reveals Ratcliffe's stance on SACKING Ten Hag

Tom Weber

Updated: 28 Sept 2024 16:47 BST
3 min read

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Manchester United bosses have 'no appetite for change,' but the pressure will pile on Erik ten Hag if poor results persist, according to The Athletic.

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It would be unfair to say that Man Utd are once again in crisis, but performances have not been impressive so far this season. The Red Devils were only really convincing against League One side Barnsley in the Carabao Cup, claiming an easy 7-0 win.

Even against Southampton, a game they ultimately won 3-0, Man Utd were under the cosh for the opening 30 minutes and the match could have ended very differently had the Saints managed to convert their first-half penalty.

Besides these two games, Man Utd have only won one other fixture to date, which came on opening day as they scraped past Fulham with a single goal. To say that Erik ten Hag's men have been underwhelming would be an understatement.

Finishing, in particular, has been a big problem and reports of Ten Hag being under intense pressure have proliferated after back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and Twente Enschede, sides the Dutchman's team are expected to beat.

Ten Hag not (yet) at risk of sack

However, contrary to some reports, Ten Hag is not (yet) at the risk of getting the sack. At least that is according to The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell, who reports that Man Utd's new INEOS bosses would prefer not having to make a change this early in the season.

“I think Ten Hag would be under huge pressure if United fail to win those [upcoming] games, but given what’s been said publicly – and what I hear privately regarding no appetite for change – I would be surprised if he loses his job at that juncture.

“Clearly, though, results need to improve. I haven’t heard any rumblings about a successor.” Man Utd's next five fixtures will see them face Tottenham, Porto, Aston Villa, Brentford and Fenerbahce.