Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future hangs in the balance for next two games

Erik ten Hag is expected to remain as Manchester United manager for the trip to Porto on Thursday and the visit to Aston Villa on Sunday, with the club’s executives “calm” regarding his position despite the humiliating 3-0 defeat by Tottenham on Sunday.

The reverse at Old Trafford leaves United 13th in the Premier League with seven points from six matches, and a goal difference of -3, having scored only five times. The result on Sunday represented a second consecutive 3-0 defeat in the league at home, following the capitulation to Liverpool on 1 September.

This has heightened scrutiny regarding Ten Hag’s position at United, yet more than one high-placed source at the club has told the Guardian that the Dutchman is expected to be in charge for their next two games at least.

The mood was characterised as calm, though there is an acceptance that this is a “big week” for Ten Hag as he attempts to turn around his side’s form. That suggests defeat in one or both games may lead to his removal, particularly if the manner of loss is again alarming.

United have failed to win their past three games and have won only three of eight matches in all competitions this season. The defeat by Spurs was a particular concern as the opening two goals, from Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski, resulted from a lack of shape and resistance in United’s midfield and defence. The same problem led to Twente’s equaliser in the 1-1 Europa League draw four days earlier at Old Trafford.

It all points to the lack of a discernible game plan. Following the defeat against Liverpool, the Guardian reported Ten Hag’s game model was under scrutiny in relation to his long-term job security.

The Dutchman, who signed a new contract until July 2026 in the summer, was asked after the game on Sunday if he was concerned that the Sir Jim Ratcliffe-led football department at United might decide a change of manager is required. “I am not thinking about this,” he said.

“We all made in the summer the decision to stay together, as an ownership, a leadership group. Also we made the decision from a clear review what we have to improve and how we want to construct a squad. But we knew it will take some time, how the window went, some players late in like [Manuel] Ugarte.

“Also we have to make some improvement in [the overarching] organisation, we still have some injuries, we need some time. We are all on one page or in one boat together, the ownership, the staff and the players as well. I don’t have that concern.”