Ten Hag had a great debut season at Old Trafford, finishing third in the Premier League and winning the Carabao Cup.
Concerns have been raised by the team’s poor start to the current season, which has included departures from the Carabao Cup and likely Champions League elimination. Ten Hag is in seventh place in the Premier League, thus the forthcoming match against Luton Town is crucial.
Ten Hag’s time is out, according to Stan Collymore, who recognises Ten Hag’s fragile position as the second favourite to be terminated in the Premier League.
He suggests Brighton’s Robert De Zerbi as a possible replacement, seeing him as capable of revitalising the underperforming squad and instilling a strong managerial presence.
Collymore emphasises De Zerbi’s ability to set high expectations and believes he can return the team to the historic “Manchester United way.”
Collymore also suggests that Manchester United may have held talks with Unai Emery’s representatives in anticipation of Emery’s probable availability if Aston Villa plays well and achieves European qualification. He speculates that if United’s manager changes, they could consider pursuing Emery.
The growing pressure on Erik ten Hag arises from the sharp contrast between his rookie season’s success and the team’s current troubles.
The club’s early exits from cup competitions, as well as its perilous position in the Premier League, have spurred a rethinking of his leadership.
The forthcoming game against Luton Town is now considered as a watershed moment for Ten Hag to turn the team’s fortunes around and allay supporters’ and critics’ fears.
The fact that Stan Collymore has advocated for Robert De Zerbi as a possible replacement indicates that he is looking for a managerial figure who is capable of bringing about a transformation with their influence.
The confidence that De Zerbi has in his capacity to maintain high standards is congruent with the expectations that are deeply engrained in the culture of Manchester United. An additional element of uncertainty is introduced with the possibility of changes at the helm as a result of the management speculation that extends further to Unai Emery.