Erik ten Hag future cast into further doubt with Man Utd shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe set to attend Aston Villa clash
PRESSURE continues to mount on Erik ten Hag after Manchester United’s dismal start to the season.
And there will be extra pressure on the Dutchman this Sunday when United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe watches on from the stands for the Red Devils’ visit to Villa Park.
Man Utd take on Aston Villa on Sunday, hoping to bounce back from their 3-0 trashing to Spurs last weekend.
While Villa will be flying high after toppling European giants Bayern Munich 1-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday.
And according to The Athletic, Ratcliffe is planning on making the trip to Birmingham to watch the game.
Ratcliffe is the key decision maker at United and it will ultimately be him who decides if Ten Hag’s time at the helm will come to an end amid the club’s poor form.
Rumours continue to swirl about who could replace the former Ajax boss in the hot seat with Gareth Southgate, Thomas Tuchel and assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy among the favourites.
Ratcliffe hasn’t exactly seen the best of Ten Hag so far this season, attending only one game prior the Villa clash – United’s 3-0 home drubbing at the hands of rivals Liverpool.
The billionaire Brit was left with his head in his hand at United’s midfield horror show on the day.
Aston Villa marks another tough test for the Man Utd squad, who have already lost three of their six Premier League clashes this season – that’s the same number of league defeats amassed by champions Man City in the entirety of the the previous campaign.
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Ten Hag has long relied on his trophy record at Old Trafford as evidence for the direction the club are moving under his reign.
The 54-year-old has won two trophies in as many seasons, picking up the League Cup in his first year and the FA Cup last term.
But cracks are beginning to show and fans are starting to lose patience with many pundits and supporters questioning if the club has an identifiable style of play.
Fans have even speculated of problems within the squad after Alejandro Garnacho appeared to like a post on social media about his limited game time.
While SunSport has revealed that the situation has put Barcelona and Juventus on red alert for a potential swoop for the Argentine winger.
Man Utd ratings vs Tottenham
MANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.
After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.
However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.
And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.
Andre Onana – 5
Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.
Matthijs de Ligt – 4
Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.
Manuel Ugarte – 5
Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5
Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.
Bruno Fernandes – 4
Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.
Subs:
Mount (for Mainoo 45) 5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5.