Key decision makers at Manchester United are facing a crucial period in their respective reigns at Old Trafford as a major decision over the future of Erik ten Hag looms.
Sunday’s stalemate with Aston Villa left United languishing in 14th place in the Premier League without a win in five, in all competitions, their last coming in the Carabao Cup rout against Barnsley.
The Dutchman’s blushes were spared by Harry Maguire, the defender whom he took the captaincy off, against FC Porto in the Europa League last Thursday. The England international nodded home a stoppage-time equaliser after United had already blown a two-goal lead following a fast start, thanks to Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund.
On Monday, co-owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Joel Glazer were at the Theatre of Dreams for a series of meetings with chief executive Omar Berrarda and Ineos head of sport, Sir Dave Brailsford, who was also in attendance. Glazer was set to attend a Fans’ Advisory Board meeting on Monday with plans scheduled around the stadium project.
Further discussions are scheduled on Tuesday. MEN takes a look at all you need to know.
Who is there?
What we know already is both United owners are on English soil, thrashing out talks on a number of different possibilities relating to the club. The distant figure that is Glazer was among the high-profile United figures in the city of Monday before negotiations move to the capital today (Tuesday).
Ratcliffe will also be in the meeting room in London, alongside Brailsford, Berrarda and football leaders Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox. The upcoming days and weeks look crucial for United as the new-look board and sporting hierarchy face their first major managerial decision.
Where is it?
The meeting will be held in London, despite initial meetings in Manchester on Monday. Berrada, Sir Alex Ferguson and Gary Neville, who is a key member of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force, left Old Trafford via the main entrance late on yesterday afternoon while the Ineos delegation moved their cars to the rear of the stadium – away from supporters lingering around the megastore.
The 20-time Premier League champions have had a base in the English capital for over a decade and only last year moved from Mayfair to a fresh luxury complex in Kensington. It has been reported elsewhere that their role in the capital marks the commitment to having a significant presence in London, keeping the commercial team in the capital to maintain a relationship with their partners.
Manchester United manager latest
In light of the 3-0 drubbing for the 10-man of United, Ten Hag was allowed reassurances ahead of a pivotal seven days in the hotseat. But two draws have cast fresh and increasing doubt over the man in charge.
It is expected that Ten Hag will hold talks with United chiefs over his future in the coming days but he has not been present while the chiefs are in town, as the international break gets underway.
United are lining up Thomas Tuchel as a potential replacement for the former Ajax boss. The German caught the eye of decision-makers in the summer as they mulled over replacing Ten Hag.
Tuchel has been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich at the end of last season, while he is available immediately, United admire other candidates.
Who might replace Erik ten Hag?
Following the update surrounding Tuchel on Monday, the former Chelsea boss emerged as the front-runner to replace Ten Hag.
Gareth Southgate and current United assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy had been installed as the early contenders, should the Dutchman be the first managerial casualty in the Premier League.
What has Erik ten Hag said about Manchester United future?
Erik ten Hag claimed that the United hierarchy would have told him if he was under pressure.
Speaking after the draw with Villa, he said: “I don’t have any idea that is different because they should have told me. We communicate – very open, very transparent.
“I would say every day we talk, so I expect I will speak with them. You said it very good – external noise,” he added.
“Internal, we are disappointed. We know we have to do better. Especially, we need to score more.”