Erik ten Hag future: Man United 'to sack' Dutchman if certain number of games are lost

The Dutchman is currently scrambling to retain his place in the Old Trafford dugout after guiding the club to their worst-ever start in the Premier League.

United down in 14th position in the Premier League table, while they are also yet to win in the Europa League after two fixtures.

There is widespread speculation as to who could replace Ten Hag if INOES choose to move in a different direction over the coming weeks.

However, the draws away at Porto and Aston Villa have at least brought the 54-year-old some time over the October international break to assess the way forward when United return to action.

What must Ten Hag avoid doing?

The Red Devils next take to the pitch when they play host to Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

That match is followed by a high-profile visit to Fenerbahce in the Europa League, the Turkish giants managed by former boss Jose Mourinho.

According to Football Insider, United officials will choose to sack Ten Hag if his team suffers defeat in both of those fixtures.

Sources have told the outlet that Ten Hag is "clinging on" to his job, a consequence of just three wins coming from 11 games in all competitions this season.

United still only sit six points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea in the top flight, a notable scenario when the Blues travel to Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday.

Perhaps more importantly, though, United are only five points above the relegation zone, which features teams in Crystal Palace, Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers who are yet to win a game in the league during 2024-25.

What if Ten Hag can ride the storm?

If Ten Hag can survive the next two matches, a visit to West Ham United follows three days after the showdown with Fenerbahce.

United then have four successive home fixtures in all competitions, hosting Leicester City (EFL Cup), Chelsea, PAOK and Leicester for a second time in the space of 12 days.