‘I give you this week to pack your things and leave ‘: Manchester United New owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has officially told Erik Ten Hag to leave this week after a poor start this season
Erik ten Hag is facing increasing scrutiny as the manager of Manchester United following their dismal 3-0 defeat to Tottenham.United suffered a significant loss at home, with goals from Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski, and Dominic Solanke. Bruno Fernandes entered the match just before halftime. The Old Trafford crowd was silenced early when Johnson scored a simple tap-in after Micky van de Ven’s impressive run and cross. Just before the break, Fernandes received a straight red card for a late tackle on James Maddison, leaving United down a goal.
This setback compounded the challenges for Ten Hag’s squad, which fell behind 2-0 shortly after the second half began when Kulusevski netted a stunning close-range goal. Although United showed some improvement, Solanke’s goal in the 77th minute sealed the scoreline beyond reach for Andre Onana.
After the final whistle, the disappointment was palpable among United fans, culminating in boos as the match concluded 3-0. United now sits in 12th place in the Premier League, just behind Brentford on goal difference, having accumulated only seven points from six matches. They have also lost their last two home games, including a previous defeat to Liverpool by the same scoreline.
This latest defeat has sparked calls for Ten Hag’s dismissal, while others argue he deserves more time to rectify the situation. Our writers at the Manchester Evening News weigh in on his future and the possibility of him being let go.
Erik ten Hag is indeed facing significant pressure following Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham, a result that has intensified calls for his dismissal. This loss, marked by early goals and Bruno Fernandes’ red card, highlighted United’s ongoing struggles. Falling to 12th place in the Premier League with only seven points from six matches has frustrated fans and pundits alike, especially after back-to-back home defeats by a 3-0 margin, including the one against Liverpool.
The lack of attacking cohesion, defensive vulnerabilities, and key player underperformances have contributed to a growing sense of discontent. Bruno Fernandes’ red card and United’s inability to respond after going down a goal are seen as symbolic of deeper issues within the squad. Calls for Ten Hag’s sacking reflect dissatisfaction, though some argue he needs more time to implement his vision and address the squad’s challenges.
Ten Hag is caught in a critical juncture, with the board likely weighing short-term results against long-term stability. The next few matches could determine his fate, especially with growing pressure from fans and media.