Despite avoiding defeat against Fenerbahçe in the Europa League on Thursday evening, a disappointing 1-1 draw has done nothing to help Erik ten Hag’s chances of being the next manager to leave, as bookies have him firmly set at 4/1 in the next manager sacked market.
A lack of options in midfield has proved tricky for the Dutchman, resulting in Noussair Mazraoui being played in the number 10 role against the Turkish side.
A lack of faith in Casemiro, despite an injury to Kobbie Mainoo, left ten Hag with a midfield duo of Manuel Ugarte and Christian Eriksen, the latter of which provided the side’s only goal of the Europa League encounter.
With the club’s next fixture away to a struggling West Ham side, anything but a win could prove disastrous for Ten Hag as he attempts to reestablish control. His side currently sit 12th in the league on 11 points.
However, it is important to note that Man United have a relatively easy run of fixtures in the near future, with a three-game stretch against Leicester, Ipswich, and Everton.
This could really be the deciding factor for the Man United manager, as a poor return from these decidedly easy fixtures could be the final straw for his time at the club.
Ruud ready to rule?
If there is any consolation for United fans, a box-ready replacement is already in situ, with club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy present as the assistant manager at Old Trafford.
One of Sir Alex Ferguson's most astute signings, his permanent appointment wouldn't be done on a whim, with Van Nistelrooy having won 65% of his games as PSV boss in the 2022/23 season in the Netherlands.
With current Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim the favourite to take over should Ten Hag be sacked, it may only be a matter of time before we see a new face at the helm of the INEOS era at Old Trafford.
