Wednesday night, Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United lost to Twente at home in the Europa League, adding to their frustration and putting more pressure on their manager.
The next setback for Manchester United under Erik ten Hag could be the last for the manager, according to analyst Mark Lawrenson.
Ten Hag’s United led team finished seventh in the Premier League the previous year, putting the Dutchman’s job in jeopardy. But winning the FA Cup final allowed him to qualify for Europe and contributed to his execution being postponed.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe took over as football director during United’s first transfer window in the summer following the club’s acquisition. Although Ten Hag had support in the transfer market, where almost £200 million was spent on new players, there is still work to be done on the pitch.
After tying with Crystal Palace in their most recent match, Ten Hag’s team has seven points from their first five league games. On Wednesday, they kicked off their Europa League campaign against FC Twente, the former employers of their manager. Despite their early dominance, Sam Lammers managed to salvage a draw for the Dutch team.
“I believe Erik ten Hag wasn’t treated well over the summer,” Lawrenson stated to Sports Casting. “They were scouting for possible candidates to take Ten Hag’s job, and at one point, I worried that he may give up. It appears that they have made up and kissed since then.
“I think United will be better this season, but I’m still not sold on them. I’m not sure if they’ll be good enough to satisfy their owners.
“I believe Ten Hag will be fired if they have another losing season. They appear to be waiting for that to occur.
Lawrenson further stated that Luke Shaw should finally be capitalised on by United. With only 15 games played since the beginning of the previous season, the England left-back has suffered from injuries in recent years. His brief return to the national team at Euro 2024 was followed by another setback.
The former Liverpool defender continued, “I think United will be looking for a replacement for Luke Shaw given he’s suffered yet another injury.” “You can’t rely on players like him who are rarely fit, even though he managed to make the Euros.”
Ten Hag will want to play the same team each week, so it’s not so much that he won’t be playing anymore. United will be near the top of the league if he can do it and they are a strong team.
“But you have to feel bad for Luke Shaw because it’s just the nature of the game; he doesn’t mean to get hurt. At the beginning of next year, they’ll probably evaluate the circumstances and determine what they can and cannot do with him.