With his job as Manchester United manager in jeopardy before of Sunday’s difficult trip to Liverpool, Erik ten Hag is under intense pressure.
Tuesday night, United meekly exited the Champions League, losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich at home. This resulted in them finishing bottom of Group A and being eliminated from European competition altogether, adding insult to injury. In relation to injuries, Ten Hag has experienced a significantly diminished team this year and will likely travel to Anfield with more than ten first-team players out.
United is currently six points behind Man City in fourth place in the Premier League standings after their shocking 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth last weekend. A loss on Merseyside would increase that deficit. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority acquisition of United has created a difficult situation, therefore it needs to be seen whether there is a genuine desire for change. If United loses to a Jurgen Klopp team that is leading the table, then pressure to fire Ten Hag will only mount.
With the anticipated ratification of his £1.25 billion transaction for a 25 percent ownership in the club, Ineos chief executive Stephen Ratcliffe is expected to take complete command of sporting activities at Old Trafford. Though it was once believed that Ten Hag would be secure under Ratcliffe, it now seems that the billionaire may have different ideas after holding a “secret meeting” with Graham Potter. Who might take over the Old Trafford bench next?
