No clarity on Ten Hag’s future after Manchester United summit meeting

In a recent executive committee meeting held in London, Manchester United’s managerial situation remains shrouded in uncertainty, particularly concerning Erik ten Hag. The discussions took place at the Ineos offices in Knightsbridge and brought together key figures, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the company’s owner and United’s largest single minority shareholder, as well as CEO Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, and technical director Jason Wilcox.

Typically, these meetings do not lead to public announcements unless a significant decision is reached. After this latest session, club staff reportedly left without any updates suggesting a major resolution was on the table. Nevertheless, Ratcliffe’s football department, under Ashworth’s direction, retains the option to make a decision regarding Ten Hag’s future in the near term.

At 54 years old, Ten Hag is currently grappling with the club’s worst start to a Premier League season, having accumulated only eight points from seven matches and scoring a mere five goals. As the team approaches the international break, they find themselves five points clear of the relegation zone but six points behind the top four. Should Ten Hag be relieved of his duties, sources suggest that assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy could take over as caretaker, providing some breathing room to search for a permanent replacement.

Van Nistelrooy, who joined Ten Hag’s staff last July, previously managed PSV Eindhoven for most of the 2022-23 season, guiding them to a KNVB Cup victory. Earlier this summer, Wilcox evaluated Thomas Tuchel in Monaco for the managerial role, and the German coach remains a potential contender if the club opts for a change.

In injury-related news, defender Harry Maguire has announced that he will be out for several weeks due to a leg injury sustained during Sunday’s scoreless draw against Aston Villa. He expressed his frustration on Instagram, saying, “Frustrated to pick up an injury at the weekend, will be a few weeks on the sideline for me but I’ll come back stronger.”