Erik ten Hag given two games to save Man Utd job after second successive home thumping in Tottenham clash
ERIK TEN HAG will have two games to save his job at Manchester United.
The Dutchman is under increasing pressure at Old Trafford following a poor start to the 2024-25 season.
United’s campaign went from bad to worse on Sunday thanks to a 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham in the Premier League.
Many fans subsequently called for Ten Hag to be sacked, with the club dropping to 12th in the table.
But SunSport understands he will remain in charge for this week’s crucial fixtures against Porto and Aston Villa.
Man Utd take on Primeira Liga giants Porto in the Europa League on Thursday.
They dropped points to Dutch side FC Twente last week in a disappointing display at Old Trafford.
United then face Aston Villa away on Sunday – a must-win Prem clash.
However, Ten Hag will be without captain Bruno Fernandes and potentially midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
Fernandes received a straight red card on Sunday following a controversial challenge on James Maddison whereby he slipped and caught the midfielder’s shin with his boot.
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Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Mainoo was forced off in the first half with an injury.
Ten Hag admitted after the match that he was “concerned” about the knock.
He said: “I can’t say at the moment. I have to find out but, of course, when a player is coming off before half-time already, then there are some concerns.”
The Dutchman was also asked if he feared losing his job amid Man Utd’s poor run of form.
He responded: “I am not thinking about this. 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.”
Man Utd ratings vs Tottenham
MANCHESTER UNITED suffered a 3-0 thrashing against Tottenham at Old Trafford.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was sent off in the first half for fouling James Maddison, forcing Erik Ten Hag’s side to play with 10 men against Ange Postecoglou’s team.
After back-to-back draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente fans hoped United would redeem themselves against Spurs.
However, the match at Old Trafford quickly turned sour. Brennan Johnson scored early and things worsened when Fernandes was sent off allowing Spurs to extend their lead to 3-0.
And here is how SunSports Charlie Wyett rated the Manchester United stars.
Andre Onana – 5
Stood his ground to deliver a good save from Timo Werner who was clean through – no chance for either goal.
Noussair Mazraoui – 5
First in the refs’ book for chopping down Destiny Udogie. Could also have blocked Micky van de Ven for the goal. Just watched Solanke make it 3-0.
Matthijs de Ligt – 4
Shocking first half. Failed to cut out the cross from Micky van de Ven which led to the first goal.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Switched off for the Spurs goal and was drawn to the ball and Johnson was left unmarked.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Gave the ball away in dangerous areas and struggled against Johnson.
Manuel Ugarte – 5
Suffered a stinker and was lucky to last until the 73rd minute.
Kobbie Mainoo – 5
Not one of his better performances and was taken off just before half-time following Fernandes’ sending-off.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Over-ran the ball for Tottenham’s first. Way off the pace.
Bruno Fernandes – 4
Arguably the worst captain in United’s history. Deserved red card for his challenge on James Maddison.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Had United’s only chance in the first half but hit the outside of the post. Improved in the second half.
Joshua Zirkzee – 5
Looked completely lost up front – threatening to be another poor Erik ten Hag signing. Replaced at half-time.
Subs:
Mount (for Mainoo 45) 5, Casemiro (for Zirkzee 46) 7, Hojlund (for Rashford 73) 5, Eriksen (for Ugarte 73) 5.