- Erik ten Hag looks set to remain as Manchester United boss after two draws
- Red Devils have made their worst start to a Premier League season and sit 14th
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Erik ten Hag appears to have survived his latest brush with a metaphorical Manchester United death thanks to draws away at Porto and Aston Villa.
The Dutchman looked set to be relieved of his duties ahead of the trip to Portugal and again in the final minutes of the encounter after his side had thrown away a two-goal lead.
But the Red Devils rescued a point with Harry Maguire‘s late strike before holding Villa – fresh from their historic 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League – to a goalless draw.
Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe hosted the meeting at INEOS’ headquarters in Knightsbridge on Monday, where the manager’s position was believed to have been on the agenda. The subsequent silence, in addition to reports that Ten Hag expects to still be at the helm when the Premier League resumes later this month, suggests he has survived another inquisition.
And on the evidence of the reported sum he would be owed if he was sacked, the final decision on his future may not entirely rest on United’s results.
It could cost Manchester United up to £14million to sack Erik ten Hag, whose current deal runs until 2026
Sir Jim Ratcliffe hosted the meeting at INEOS’ headquarters in Knightsbridge on Monday, where the manager’s position was believed to have been on the agenda
According to The Telegraph, the Dutchman would pocket around £14million if he is dismissed. This represents a large figure for any club, perhaps most of all the Red Devils, who do not have much wriggle room financially, given their PSR position.
Ten Hag saw an extension triggered in his contract in the the summer after the club had interviewed a number of candidates for the job, following their dismal showing the league. His deal now runs to the end of the 2025-2026 season.
Though Ten Hag appears to be safe for the time being, results will need to improve for him to see out the rest of the year, let alone the rest of the season.
The Red Devils have made their worst start to a Premier League season and find themselves in 14th place with eight points from their first seven games.
Last week, Ratcliffe failed to give Ten Hag public backing when pressed and insisted that the decision over the manager is ‘not my call’.
Mail Sport understands Ten Hag’s fate will be decided by the billionaire, Glazer and Brailsford. Berrada, Ashworth and Wilcox will also offer their recommendations.
United have made
United are said to be wary of fuelling speculation after Thomas Tuchel – a former target – and Simone Inzaghi were both linked with the job in recent days.
The club could also turn to Ruud van Nistelrooy, one of Ten Hag’s assistants, on a temporary basis should they decide to pull the trigger this season. The United legend returned to Old Trafford in the summer as part of a coaching shake-up.
