Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag retains the backing of key figures at Old Trafford despite a recent 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, which has placed the club in 14th position in the Premier League after three games.
Last season, United finished in eighth place, their worst league position since 1990. The FA Cup win over Manchester City was a saving grace.
However, following Sunday’s loss to Liverpool, Ten Hag faces renewed pressure. If United loses their next match against Southampton on 14 September, it will mark their worst start to a season since 1986-87, when they earned just one point from their first four games. This poor start led to the dismissal of Ron Atkinson and the appointment of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Currently, Ten Hag has the support of the new football structure introduced by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth, who were not involved in the decision to retain Ten Hag after the previous season, have confirmed their support. Berrada stated, “It was a decision taken prior to both of our arrivals, but we are very happy with it.”
He added, “Erik has our full backing. We think he is the right coach for us. We have worked very closely together in this transfer window and we are going to continue working very closely with him to help get the best results out of the team.”
Ashworth noted that it is common for a sporting director to work with an existing manager. He emphasized his positive experience working with Ten Hag and his commitment to supporting him in various aspects of the club’s operations, including recruitment and training.
Ashworth, who started his role on 1 July after leaving Newcastle, focused initially on the transfer window. He mentioned that 32 deals were completed, including signings, sales, and contract renewals. One significant deal involved the renewal of captain Bruno Fernandes’ contract, which Ashworth described as “a crucial part of the transfer strategy.”
Although Jadon Sancho’s high-profile move to Chelsea was finalized after the transfer window closed, United will continue to pay a portion of his salary. Ashworth considers this arrangement beneficial for both parties. He stated, “We are not kicking players out of the club, but when they have a preference to move and it is right for them and us, you have to explore it, whether it’s Jadon, Scott [McTominay] or Aaron [Wan-Bissaka].”
Ashworth added that the club felt well-equipped in wide positions, which influenced their decision regarding Sancho’s transfer.
