What’s Next for Erik Ten Hag After Tottenham Defeat?
Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United hangs in the balance following a heavy 3-0 defeat to Tottenham, yet it appears the club is not rushing to make a decision. Reports indicate that Ten Hag will remain in charge for at least the next two matches, as the Red Devils prepare for a challenging period ahead.
The Dutchman faces growing pressure with United set to face Porto and Aston Villa away before the October international break. These games could very well shape the remainder of his tenure at Old Trafford, especially as fans and critics alike grow increasingly frustrated with the team’s inconsistent performances.
Despite the mounting tension, Manchester United’s management is reluctant to make any knee-jerk decisions. Sources close to the club suggest that the hierarchy, including key decision-makers from INEOS, is exploring all options. However, they currently prefer to give Ten Hag more time to reverse the team’s fortunes. It is well known that INEOS, which has a substantial say in football matters at the club, holds high regard for potential replacements such as Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter. Both managers are currently without a job, with Southgate stepping down as England’s coach after their Euro 2024 campaign and Potter available after being dismissed by Chelsea in early 2023.
This is not the first time Ten Hag has come close to losing his job. At the end of last season, his position was in jeopardy until he delivered a much-needed FA Cup victory over Manchester City, following his earlier success in the Carabao Cup against Newcastle. These achievements bought him some time, but the expectations for this season were much higher.
After a summer of significant spending, where United invested nearly £200 million in players like Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, and Joshua Zirkzee, fans hoped for a more convincing start to the campaign. However, six games into the Premier League season, United is languishing in 12th place. With three losses already to Brighton, Liverpool, and now Spurs, only wins against Fulham and Southampton have provided some relief. Their Europa League form hasn’t helped either, with the team receiving harsh criticism for their 1-1 draw against FC Twente at Old Trafford.
It was the defeat to Tottenham, however, that has left many fans questioning whether Ten Hag is still the right man for the job. The match, which saw United reduced to ten men after Bruno Fernandes’ reckless behavior, has fueled speculation about his future. Fernandes’ dismissal in the game was emblematic of a team struggling for discipline and direction.
Despite the poor results, the club’s leadership is aware of Ten Hag’s prior successes and wants to avoid making an impulsive decision. However, if results do not improve in the upcoming games, especially with the demanding away fixtures against Porto and Villa, the pressure to make a change could become unbearable.
The prospect of hiring Southgate or Potter could gain momentum if United’s performances continue to disappoint. Both men are respected for their ability to build cohesive, competitive teams, something United has lacked this season despite their substantial summer investments.
For now, Ten Hag remains in the dugout, but he knows the stakes. The next two matches will likely be decisive in determining whether he can steer the team back on course or if a new era under different management is on the horizon.
