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Manchester United’s current season has been an unmitigated disaster with the club currently languishing in sixth place in the Premier League and likely to miss out on Champions League qualification for next season.
There was a lot of expectations placed on manager Erik ten Hag after a successful debut season where the club clinched the Carabao Cup and finished third in the league.
Participation in Europe ended in the group stages itself while the club’s defence of the League Cup ended in the Round of 16.
The Dutchman’s only remaining chance of salvaging the season is the FA Cup, where the club will face Coventry City in the semifinals at Wembley.
EtH’s uncertain future
However, due to the manager’s chaotic style of play, confidence in his ability to lead the team moving forward is on the wane and new co-owners INEOS are looking at replacements.
They are also changing the way the club operates after years of under-investment from the deeply unpopular Glazers with a new-look behind-the-scenes being put in place.
Omar Berrada is set to join as the CEO while Dan Ashworth is set to become the new sporting director with Sir Jim Ratcliffe directly establishing contact with Newcastle to find a way forward after disputes with regards to the compensation package to free the former FA chief from his gardening leave.
Jason Wilcox is expected to join as the technical director and these “best-in-class” incomings have seen multiple employees lose their jobs at the club so far.
Recently, former football director John Murtough left the club while earlier this season, former CEO Richard Arnold also stepped down from his post.
And The Daily Star have now claimed that these have led to Ten Hag feeling like he is running out of allies and fears an impending sacking should results not improve.
“Erik ten Hag fears he is running out of allies at Manchester United as he battles to save his job. Ten Hag believes he has become increasingly isolated at Old Trafford following the arrival of new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Running out of allies
“Ratcliffe has made sweeping changes to senior positions at the English giants, leaving Ten Hag with fewer people he believes he can trust.
“The Dutchman suffered his latest blow this week when director of football John Murtough left United as part of the overhaul. Murtough was instrumental in appointing Ten Hag from Ajax in 2022, and worked closely with him on a number of big signings.
“This follows the departure of Richard Arnold as chief executive earlier this season. The wholesale changes have left Ten Hag feeling like his face no longer fits. Ratcliffe will not hesitate in sacking Ten Hag should United fail to secure a place in club football’s elite competition.”
Multiple candidates like Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter and Julian Nagelsmann have been linked with the Old Trafford hotseat.
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