It now feels like Erik ten Hag is entering his final days as Manchester United manager. The Europa League clash with Porto is expected to be a mixed bag for the Red Devils, as is the clash with Aston Villa three days later.
Clearly, if Ten Hag is to keep his job, he must help United win both of those games. Positive performances will be meaningless if they go into the international break without a win.
The focus now is on United’s new football leadership team. Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and sporting director Dave Brailsford have kept faith with Ten Hag after last season’s FA Cup triumph. They are now supported by CEO Omar Berrada and director of football Dan Ashworth, both of whom took up their roles this summer.
According to ESPN, Man United admits that the pressure is very high on Ten Hag. The club's board of directors is even prepared to change if results and performances do not improve. Criticism towards the former Ajax coach is growing as Man United's performance continues to decline. After only 6 rounds, they are 6 points behind the top 4 of the Premier League.
What doesn't work in Ten Hag's favour is that his record at Old Trafford contrasts with Unai Emery's at Aston Villa and Ange Postecoglou's at Tottenham, while Arne Slot's immediate success with Liverpool is also a weighty reference.
Emery took over at Villa Park less than two years ago, with the team he inherited from Steven Gerrard sitting 15th in the Premier League, just three points above the relegation zone. And Emery will celebrate two years since his appointment later this month with Villa playing in the Champions League.
Postecoglou arrived at Spurs at the start of last season when the team finished 8th in the previous campaign. And most importantly, the departure of Harry Kane - Tottenham's best striker in history. Although Postecoglou has not been able to help the "Rooster" participate in the Champions League, he has been shaping his identity.
Meanwhile, Slot and Maresca have started well, putting Liverpool and Chelsea in the title race. Even Mauricio Pochettino, who left Chelsea in May after just one season in charge, has had a better record than Ten Hag. The Argentine has laid the foundations for Cole Palmer to become a star at Stamford Bridge.
This shows that managers can have an immediate impact, even in a very tough Premier League environment. Ten Hag certainly has faith that he is on the right track, but there are doubts about his ability.
The current Red Devils squad has been shaped by Ten Hag. Six of the players who started against Tottenham, and all five of the substitutes used, were signed by Ten Hag. Meanwhile, youngsters like Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo have become regulars under the Dutchman.
But strangely, there was still no understanding from Man United's play. In short, time was running out and there was no room for excuses from Ten Hag.
