Journalist reveals why Man Utd ‘don’t want to sack’ Ten Hag as Ratcliffe ’embarrassment’ comes to light
Erik ten Hag and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Man Utd
Manchester United manager and minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Manchester United could be forced into an embarrassing U-turn if they decide to sack Erik ten Hag this week after a trusted journalist gave a detailed insight into what Sir Jim Ratcliffe is privately thinking about the club’s current state of affairs.
The Red Devils have endured a miserable start to the season, having collected just eight points from their opening seven games to leave them dwindling in 14th place. Officially the worst-ever start made to a Premier League season by a Manchester United side, the club currently finds itself nearer to the relegation places than they are the top four.
As a result, Ten Hag finds himself under intense pressure and amid rising speculation that Sunday’s 0-0 bore draw at Aston Villa could prove to be his final match in charge.
And with a meeting to be held in London on Tuesday to discuss his future, the fact that Ratcliffe refused to publicly back his manager when questioned last week paints a very grim picture for the Dutchman.
Intriguingly, ESPN reporter Rob Dawson is refusing to rule out the 54-year-old being given a stay of execution, though admits it is clear United “have got a decision to make”.
Asked if United will stick or twist, Dawson told ESPN of the dilemma they now face and why Ten Hag’s current struggles are an embarrassment to them.
“Yeah, it’s a tough one,” Dawson said. “Man Utd don’t really want to sack Erik ten Hag. They’ve said that privately that they made a decision in the summer to stick with him. Now, you can talk about the reasons behind that in a half an hour show on its own.
“But they decided in the end to stick with him, they extended his contract. And so to get to a point in October, very early October, where there is a decision to make about whether he stays as manager or not is embarrassing for them.
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