Erik ten Hag is walking on thin ice at Manchester United, no matter how many figures at the club deny it. And while the Dutchman is likely to be safe for as long as United remain in a state of flux due to ongoing ownership uncertainty, one of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first decisions as a shareholder could be as big as they come.
The Red Devils exited the Champions League with a whimper on Tuesday night, losing 1-0 against Bayern Munich at Old Trafford to confirm fourth place in Group A.
Accumulating just four points and one win from six games against Bayern, FC Copenhagen, and Galatasaray, not even slipping into the Europa League, is nothing short of a disaster.
United’s worst European campaign in recent history goes alongside other unwanted records Ten Hag has overseen this season.
His side’s Carabao Cup defence ended with a 3-0 home defeat to Newcastle United in the fourth round.
The Premier League season isn’t going much better. United are sat in sixth with seven defeats from their opening 16 games and an away trip to leaders Liverpool to come on Sunday.
Things can’t be going this badly in the second season of Ten Hag’s project without even a bit of dressing room mutiny.
According to The Athletic, players have had four problems with the Dutchman while he’s lost his grip at Old Trafford in recent months.
It’s claimed there is growing unrest among his squad, with his lack of charisma and distant relationships with many players a regular point of criticism.
There has also reportedly been opposition to his methods when handling player affairs with three players in particular.
The report states that questions have been raised over Ten Hag’s decision to freeze out Raphael Varane, which he claims is due to his inability to operate as a left-sided centre-back.
Some stars also believe Ten Hag could’ve managed Jadon Sancho’s exile with more care, having banished the 23-year-old winger since the start of September.
And there was reportedly some unhappiness with Ten Hag’s public jab at Casemiro – saying he wanted to “play more football” after hauling the Brazilian off at half-time while United trailed 1-0 to Brentford in October.
The 53-year-old appears to retain the backing of United’s current hierarchy, but United’s current hierarchy is in disarray during a transition phase.
When Sir Jim and INEOS enter power in the new year, his position could fall under far more intense internal scrutiny.
