Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is under immense pressure as the team continues to struggle in the 2023/24 season. The club has faced numerous setbacks, losing four out of their first nine Premier League games and both of their initial UEFA Champions League matches. In their most recent match, they suffered a 3-2 defeat at home against Galatasaray after a previous 4-3 loss to Bayern Munich.
Despite winning three consecutive matches in October, doubts still surround United’s performance. Their 2-0 home defeat to Manchester City raised concerns about the team’s progress. The game ended with a disappointing 3-0 scoreline against Newcastle United just three days later.
The team’s struggles are compounded by ongoing injury issues and the never-ending ownership saga. This combination of factors has created a bleak atmosphere on the red side of Manchester, casting doubts on Ten Hag’s position as manager.
Despite the challenging circumstances, it is widely believed that Ten Hag should be achieving better results, especially considering the success of his first season in charge. United secured their first trophy in six years and finished third in the Premier League during that period.
The question now arises: could Ten Hag become the fifth permanent manager at Manchester United to be dismissed in the past decade?
As of late October, there are no signs that Ten Hag is close to being fired, despite the team’s poor performance. He has received significant backing in the transfer market and still retains credit from the previous season’s achievements, including winning the Carabao Cup and securing a Champions League spot. However, mounting pressure surrounds him, as the team has suffered consecutive home defeats against Brighton and Hove Albion, Crystal Palace, and Galatasaray. Their Champions League qualification hangs in the balance, and their chances of contending for the Premier League title already seem slim, with it being a decade since their last championship victory.
The recent slight improvement in results saw United secure narrow victories against Brentford, Sheffield United, and Copenhagen. Yet, these performances failed to inspire confidence. Their dismal defeat against Manchester City was a cause for great concern, as was their subsequent 3-0 loss to Newcastle United, marking the end of their Carabao Cup defense.
While Ten Hag continues to receive support from within the club, it is evident that results must improve to maintain his position. Furthermore, if potential investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquires a minority stake in the club and takes over the sporting side of operations, he may opt to appoint his own preferred manager.
Regarding potential successors to Ten Hag, Zinedine Zidane is one of the favorites for the next permanent Manchester United manager’s role. However, it’s worth noting that he has not taken on any new coaching roles since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. Another possible candidate is Julian Nagelsmann, who recently became the Germany national team manager but seems unlikely to transition back to club football so soon. Graham Potter, who was previously sacked by Chelsea, is also mentioned as a potential option due to reported interest from potential United investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Looking ahead, Ten Hag’s future will likely depend on an improvement in performances and results. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining whether he can secure his position. It should be remembered that his predecessor, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, was sacked shortly after consecutive home defeats to City and Liverpool in 2021.
The table below displays the date, competition, opponent, and result of Manchester United’s next matches:
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Result |
|————-|——————|—————-|——–|
| Sat, Oct. 7 | Premier League | vs. Brentford | 2-1 W |
| Sat, Oct. 21| Premier League | @ Sheff. United| 2-1 W |
| Tues, Oct. 24| Champions League| vs. Copenhagen| 1-0 W |
| Sun, Oct. 29 | Premier League | vs. Man City | 3-0 L |
| Wed, Nov. 1 | Carabao Cup | vs. Newcastle | 3-0 L |
| Sat, Nov. 4 | Premier League | @ Fulham | — |
| Wed, Nov. 8 | Champions League| @ Copenhagen | — |
| Sat, Nov. 11 | Premier League | vs. Luton | — |
| Sat, Nov. 25 | Premier League | @ Everton | — |
| Wed, Nov. 29| Champions League| @ Galatasaray | — |
Ten Hag will need to turn the team’s fortunes around if he wishes to secure his job heading into 2024. The outcome of these upcoming fixtures may prove pivotal, as United aims to avoid a repeat of history and maintain stability in the managerial position.
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