Ratcliffe and Co gather to discuss Ten Hag’s future

The future of Erik ten Hag could become clearer today as senior Manchester United executives gather in London.

The meeting was pre-planned and not scheduled to discuss Ten Hag directly although reports suggest the Dutchman’s tenure will now be on the agenda with United enduring a miserable start to the season.

Sunday’s drab 0-0 draw at Aston Villa, a game watched by minority owner Jim Ratcliffe, CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth, was their fifth in a row without a win in all competitions.

They sit 14th in the Premier League table and 21st in the 36-team Europa League table following draws with FC Twente and Porto.

It is not the return the club expected after conducting an internal review over the summer, and deciding to offer Ten Hag a contract extension.

Erik reflects on a point at Villa Park and looks ahead to the international break 💬#MUFC || #PL

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 6, 2024

Speaking after the game at Villa Park at the weekend, Ten Hag remained confident he retained the backing of the club’s owners.

He said: “We always speak. Every week we speak.

“So we are all on board, together, on one page. We know where we are working to.

“It’s a long-term project and we have to keep on improving the process.”

Tuchel and Southgate could be in the frame

It was widely reported Ratcliffe spoke to former Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel over the summer and he remains the favourite to take over at Old Trafford should Ten Hag depart.

Gareth Southgate, who led England to the Euro 2024 final in July, is another expected to be under consideration.

United return to action on October 19 when they host Brentford.