Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag retains the support of senior figures at Old Trafford despite recent challenges. Following last season’s disappointing eighth-place finish—United’s worst since 1990—Ten Hag’s position was bolstered by an FA Cup victory over Manchester City. However, pressure has mounted after a 3-0 home loss to Liverpool on Sunday, which left United in 14th place in the Premier League with just three points from their first three games.
If United loses to Southampton after the international break on September 14, it would mark their worst start since the 1986-87 season, when they earned only one point from their first four games, leading to Ron Atkinson’s dismissal and Sir Alex Ferguson’s appointment.
Despite this, Ten Hag has the backing of the club’s new football structure, established by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Before the Liverpool match, both chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth affirmed that, although they were not involved in the decision to retain Ten Hag after the post-season review, the manager’s position remained secure even after the heavy defeat to Liverpool.
“It was a decision taken prior to both of our arrivals, but we are very happy with it,” said Berrada.
“Erik has our full backing. We think he is the right coach for us.
“We have worked very closely together in this transfer window and we are going to continue working very closely with him to help get the best results out of the team.”
Although Brighton sacked Chris Hughton as manager three months after Ashworth began work as the Seagulls technical director in 2019, Eddie Howe remained as Newcastle manager throughout the 53-year-old’s 19 months at St James’ Park.
Ashworth said it was not unusual for a sporting director to link up with a manager already in place.
“Very rarely do you go into a job as a sporting director and there is no manager in place,” he added.
“All I can do is reiterate that I’ve really enjoyed working with Erik for the last eight weeks.
“My job is to support him in every way I possible can, whether that’s operationally, with recruitment, medical, psychology, [and] the training ground flow to allow him to fully focus on the training pitch and match tactical plan, to deliver success for Manchester United.”
