Erik ten Hag is walking a tightrope at Old Trafford. In fact, it feels like only a matter of time before Erik ten Hag leaves Man United.
Yet again, it was another poor result at the weekend for Man United. With no disrespect to Aston Villa, who are obviously in incredible form, it's a game which Man United are always favoured to win.
But, the truth is that Man United are losing their charm. They have won just two games all season, so we cannot keep using the age-old trope "We are Man United, things will come good eventually."
The way things are going under Erik ten Hag, Man United will only be heading on a downward trajectory. This is the current direction of the club, so they cannot go further without taking immediate action.
It's only a matter of time before Erik ten Hag leaves Man United
As the weeks go by, the only action which appears necessary is for Erik ten Hag to leave Man United. Whether it be through mutual consent or through Man United sacking Erik ten Hag, it's an announcement which seems inevitable at this point.
As written by chief journalist Henry Winter, "Manchester United and Erik ten Hag are obviously locked in a loveless relationship, going nowhere. At some point, they have to part. His tactics, recruitment, game management and public utterances are all unconvincing."
Manchester United and Erik ten Hag are obviously locked in a loveless relationship, going nowhere. At some point, they have to part. His tactics, recruitment, game management and public utterances are all unconvincing. He would already have gone at a club with less patient fans.…
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) October 7, 2024
As mentioned by Winter, there is a great support group within the Man United fanbase, who want to see Erik ten Hag shine. However, even the most surportive of fans will be seeing their patience run thin.
Erik ten Hag speaks a lot about Man United following "the plan." However, supporters are yet to see any evidence of there being a plan in place at United under him. If there is, it's an awful plan.
With no disrespect to the FA Cup, it is a great competition but it should not be the be-all or end-all for Man United. They have to strive for more, particularly given the club's rich history.
So, it feels like Erik ten Hag is walking a very thin tight-rope currently. With every bad result (and there are many), that tightrope is only becoming thinner.
At this point, it would be a critique of Man United's character if they keep Erik ten Hag until Christmas. It's early into the season, but he is already in last-chance-saloon.