Erik ten Hag is planning to take charge of Manchester United’s next game despite club executives discussing his uncertain future during a summit yesterday.
Ten Hag’s position remains up in the air after six hours of talks between senior United figures in London but he has gone on holiday during the international break confident he will not be sacked ahead of a return to action against Brentford.
Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe hosted the meeting at INEOS’ headquarters in Knightsbridge and the manager’s position is believed to have been on the agenda.
The Red Devils host Thomas Frank’s Brentford a week on Saturday in their first Premier League game back and, according to The Mirror, sources close to the embattled Ten Hag have insisted he is focused on that match.
He is set to return to Carrington early next week to begin his preparations.
Erik ten Hag is preparing to take charge of Manchester United’s next game against Brentford
Ten Hag’s future was discussed at a United summit led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe (centre) in London
Ratcliffe and CEO Omar Berrada (right) watched the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa from the stands
Indeed, sources have told The Mirror that it is business as usual at the club after the meeting with Ten Hag seemingly given a stay of execution.
There is a realisation on the coach’s part, however, that results and performances must improve in the wake of United’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season.
Ten Hag steadied the ship somewhat after earning a 3-3 draw at Porto in the Europa League and a goalless runout against Aston Villa on Sunday but the results did little to reduce the fervent speculation surrounding his position.Â
United are 14th in the top-flight with just two wins from seven games – as well as a meagre goal difference of minus three – and Ten Hag’s job is firmly on the line.
Ratcliffe was joined by co-chairman Joel Glazer, CEO Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox and director Sir Dave Brailsford for the summit.
United are keeping tight-lipped over any potential outcomes but the absence of a statement on Ten Hag’s future suggests he will remain in charge for the foreseeable future.
However, Ratcliffe failed to give him public backing when pressed last week and insisted that the decision over the manager is ‘not my call’.Â
United have endured their worst-ever start to a Premier League season and are currently 14th
Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford were spotted leaving the Knightsbridge meeting together
Ten Hag has jetted off on holiday during the international break and his future is uncertain
Mail Sport understands Ten Hag’s fate will be decided by the billionaire, Glazer and Brailsford. Berrada, Ashworth and Wilcox will also offer their recommendations.
United are said to be wary of fuelling speculation after Thomas Tuchel – a former target – and Simone Inzaghi were both linked with the job in recent days.Â
The club could also turn to Ruud van Nistelrooy, one of Ten Hag’s assistants, on a temporary basis should they decide to pull the trigger this season. The United legend returned to Old Trafford in the summer as part of a coaching shake-up.
