Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is confident he’ll still be at the helm for the upcoming Premier League clash against Brentford after the international break despite his superiors holding a crunch meeting to discuss his future.
Following intensive talks amongst Manchester United’s top brass in London yesterday, it’s said that he will still be calling the shots when United take on Thomas Frank’s Bees after the break.
Sources close to Ten Hag insist he is focused on preparing a game plan against Brentford rather than fretting about his future.
The Dutch tactician is currently enjoying a brief holiday before he reconvenes with his squad early next week in the build-up to the next match.
Despite the seven-hour meeting, insiders maintain it’s “business as usual” under Ten Hag. The club’s decision-makers are reluctant to sack him after extending his contract in the summer.
However, following United’s worst start to a Premier League season ever, it has been made clear to Ten Hag that a swift turnaround is crucial to keeping the faith shown in him by the hierarchy.
The Red Devils languish in 14th place in the Premier League having mustered a meagre two victories and five goals in seven matches.
United’s top brass including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-chairman Joel Glazer, CEO Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox and director Sir Dave Brailsford, convened at the club’s London headquarters to deliberate over the future of under-fire manager.
Despite the high-level meeting, United have remained silent on any conclusions drawn from the discussions, hinting that Ten Hag will continue to steer the ship for the time being.
However, Ten Hag is acutely aware that he cannot afford another Premier League home defeat – following back-to-back 3-0 losses to both Liverpool and Tottenham – when his side square off against Brentford on October 19.
Brentford have proven to be a formidable adversary in recent times though. Last season, United required two stoppage-time goals from Scott McTominay – who has since moved to Napoli – to secure a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over the Bees at Old Trafford.
Furthermore, Brentford handed United a crushing 4-0 defeat at the Gtech Community Stadium during Ten Hag’s second ever match in charge of United during his first season.
Therefore, Ten Hag is fully aware of the monumental challenge awaiting him if, as anticipated, he is in the Old Trafford dugout next Saturday.
