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Several Manchester United players are holding off on their decisions regarding their future with the club, amid growing doubts over manager Erik ten Hag’s future.
This uncertainty follows a series of underwhelming performances that have left the team struggling in the Premier League.
A report from the Manchester Evening News suggests a pervasive sense of uncertainty at Man United, with key players reluctant to commit to new contracts as they anticipate potential managerial changes.
Ten Hag, who took the helm at United two years ago, has seen the team win only one of their last seven Premier League matches, causing them to fall to seventh in the standings, 13 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.
This tumultuous period coincides with significant corporate developments at the club, including an investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Despite Ratcliffe’s involvement and the evaluation of potential managerial replacements by the INEOS Group, public assurances of Ten Hag’s job security for the next season have not been forthcoming.
The precarious position of United is highlighted by the fact that they currently trail the points tally of David Moyes’ tenure in the 2013-14 season — which was their worst in the Premier League era — by four points.
In addition to the managerial woes, player discipline and team dynamics have also surfaced as issues.
Alejandro Garnacho, for example, faced potential disciplinary action after expressing dissatisfaction on social media about being substituted in the last game against Bournemouth.
Such incidents have intensified the scrutiny of Ten Hag’s management style, particularly his approach to player management and tactical decisions during games.
As the season progresses, the future of several senior players remains in limbo, with contracts set to expire and no clear direction from the club’s leadership.