Despite having to endure their worst start to a season in over six decades, the Manchester United hierarchy are seemingly still not seriously contemplating a change in the dugout, meaning Erik ten Hag’s job remains secure for now, at least.
The club’s hierarchy have acknowledged the pressing need for improved performances and results, yet somehow still appear to stick to their belief that Ten Hag can manage a swift turnaround, according to The Athletic.
Man United’s top brass are not unaware that several challenges – including injuries and disciplinary issues involving several players – have contributed to the turbulence surrounding their campaign, directly impacting on-field performances adversely.
It now appears that there are no immediate plans to dispense with Ten Hag’s services despite speculation arising now daily regarding the Dutchman’s long-term future at Old Trafford. However, The Athletic reports that there is no universal consensus on Ten Hag’s managerial abilities among those closely connected to the club. Suffice it to say that there are understandably the naysayers.
While some believe that he has yet to adapt himself fully to the Premier League’s unique demands, others argue that his inflexible attitude and personality might not be ideal for the club’s present predicament.
So while the club’s hierarchy may be sticking with Ten Hag at least for the present, there is a growing feeling of unrest within the squad, as it is perceived that some players have begun to lose faith in him and his authoritarian ways, as in his handling of the Jadon Sancho situation, where he publicly rated the winger’s training standards as being far from ideal, which led to the player’s exclusion from the first-team squad and hence sparking debate among players regarding the manager’s approach.
The Sancho saga aside, Ten Hag’s decision to leave Raphael Varane out of the starting XI for the 3-0 defeat against Manchester City – with Jonny Evans selected for “tactical reasons” – was also seriously questioned. Harry Maguire, who is now back in the starting XI in recent weeks after being stripped of the captaincy, was said to be bruised by efforts to evict him from the club in the summer.
There is news inside the dressing room that Ten Hag’s charisma might be sorely lacking, with the obvious perception that he does not bond well with most of his players. However the Athletic claims that although the players are beginning to have doubts about Ten Hag, yet not all of them believe he has lost the dressing room.
Ten Hag has just under two years left on his three-year contract but the financial implications of dismissing the Dutchman would be substantial, after factoring in also compensation for him and his coaching staff.
With Man United’s financial situation already under immense strain with a substantial reduction in cash reserves as indicated by the 2022/23 financial results, there is the urgent need to adhere to financial fair play regulations.
The prospect of further financial burden due to a managerial change doesn’t appeal to the hierarchy, which could be a major factor contributing to their reluctance to part ways with their manager.