Erik ten Hag was close to a sacking last season after Manchester United recorded their worst-ever Premier League finish but survived on the back of a memorable FA Cup triumph against fierce rivals Manchester City.
INEOS spoke with multiple candidates before deciding to stick with the Dutchman and even going on to back him significantly in the transfer market.
But the new season has started in identical fashion with the Red Devils losing three out of four games including a dismal 0-3 defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Liverpool last weekend.
While the club hierarchy have so far been heard backing the former Ajax coach to come good eventually, murmurs of the new co-owners being on the lookout for Ten Hag’s replacement continue to do the rounds.
EtH struggling just like last season
He needs to improve the team’s style of play drastically if he is to earn a stay of execution with Givemesport claiming INEOS have given him four games to save his United career.
Thankfully for the Dutch manager, the next run of matches look easy enough on paper with a trip to 19th-placed Southampton up next after the resumption of club football following the end of the international break.
After that, the Red Devils will face League One Barnsley in the Carabao Cup before facing Crystal Palace in the league and FC Twente in the first game of this season’s Europa League.
All winnable fixtures but if a repeat of last season’s 0-4 drubbing at the hands of the Eagles were to occur, there might be an immediate change made.
“Insiders say the Dutchman has just four more Premier League games to save his job with Ratcliffe and his new layer of management around and above Ten Hag wanting progress not promises.
“United’s trip to Russel Martin’s newly-promoted Southampton after the international break is simply a must-win game.
EtH has been given four games to save his job
“And any repeat of the embarrassing 4-0 debacle that unfolded at Crystal Palace last season when United travel to Selhurst Park on September 21 might even trigger instant change.
“If Ten Hag can navigate those tests, the next two – Tottenham at home and Aston Villa away – will sway Ratcliffe as to Ten Hag’s ability to provide the necessary improvement.”
Journalist Steve Bates makes clear in his article that INEOS are far from impressed with the game-model seen this season, finding many similarities with what had transpired last time out.
Hopefully, Ten Hag can start getting a tune out of the squad in the games to come and build up a head of steam or else lasting till the new year looks a daunting task at present.
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