Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag sack looming, with report claiming TWO things could lead to dismissal

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag during defeat to Bournemouth in December 2023.

Erik ten Hag's job is under threat

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could be sacked within the next week, after yet another humiliating defeat.

The Red Devils were humbled 3-0 at home to Bournemouth, with the Cherries recording their first-ever Old Trafford victory on Saturday in yet another nadir for Ten Hag. Anthony Martial's withdrawal was cheered by fans, with the ground emptying well ahead of full-time.

In his Daily Mail column, ex-Premier League star Danny Murphy slammed the Dutch boss – and now the club themselves could act in the next seven days. 

Manchester United's Anthony Martial goes off after being substituted against Bournemouth in December 2023.

Manchester United's defeat to Bournemouth was humiliating (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Mirror claims that two things have to happen in the next week or so to spell the end for Ten Hag: heavy defeats against Bayern Munich and Liverpool in their next two fixtures. 

Manchester United host the German champions in their final Champions League group game, needing to beat Thomas Tuchel's side and hope that results go their way elsewhere. While that seems unlikely, a tougher test could yet remain on the horizon. 

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Liverpool host their northwest rivals next Sunday, having smashed them 7-0 at Anfield last season. Should any kind of repeat occur, it would be unlikely that Ten Hag would survive the fallout.

With rumours of disharmony within the squad, the writing may already be on the wall for United's current boss. Former captain Gary Neville, however, insisted at the weekend that his former side should stick with the Dutchman, despite the poor results. 

Manchester United, looks on in front of UEFA Champions League signage during the UEFA Champions League match between F.C. Copenhagen and Manchester United at Parken Stadium on November 08, 2023 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Erik ten Hag needs a miracle to qualify from the Champions League group stage (Image credit: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

"I hope that somehow Erik ten Hag can turn it around this season and he can improve what's happening at the moment, or else he will be in trouble as it's inevitable," Neville said. "We've seen it with Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer], Jose [Mourinho] and Louis van Gaal. But there's no way they should change Ten Hag this season. This idea of sacking him is an absolute nonsense. I wouldn't be in favour of that anyway.

"There's a lack of leadership and structure above him. I know people say, 'You can't blame the Glazers' – yes, you can! Because it's 10 years of failure and miserable recruitment."

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Manchester United have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid and France star Antoine Griezmann. Meanwhile, a former Barcelona defender could potentially be on his way to Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford could also be set to join him, having agreed personal terms with Barcelona. Almost half a year after leaving Manchester United as a free agent, David de Gea could be close to sealing a move to a new club

Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag has defended his training methods as the injuries pile up – with Mason Mount the latest player set for a spell on the sidelines.

Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.