Crunch meeting looms for Manchester United ahead of Villa clash

A season that is teetering on the edge for Manchester United as the pressure on Erik ten Hag has never been greater.

After a sluggish start to the Premier League campaign, with just two wins from six games, the Red Devils find themselves in an unfamiliar 14th place.

The team is also struggling in the Europa League, squandering leads against both FC Twente and FC Porto. With frustrations mounting, this Sunday’s crucial clash against Aston Villa could set the tone for the club’s immediate future—and possibly decide Ten Hag’s fate.

United’s hierarchy will gather for a pivotal meeting next Tuesday in London, just days after the highly anticipated Villa game. Key figures like co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Joel Glazer, who is flying in from the United States, will be present, alongside INEOS executives and Manchester United’s senior decision-makers.

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While the club’s financial health and strategic direction will certainly be on the agenda, there is increasing speculation that Ten Hag’s future could also be a hot topic of discussion—especially if Sunday’s result disappoints.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has been publicly supportive of Ten Hag, hinted this week that the manager’s position isn’t entirely secure. Speaking to the BBC, he admitted, “I like Erik. I think he’s a very good coach, but at the end of the day, it’s not my call.” This ambivalence could signal the beginning of a shift in the club’s approach, as Ratcliffe looks to protect his recent investment in the club.

For Ten Hag, Sunday’s game at Villa Park isn’t just about securing three points—it’s about proving he can turn the tide and restore United to their former glory.

The club has been in a tailspin since the start of the season, and even a late header from Harry Maguire in the Europa League clash against FC Porto wasn’t enough to secure a much-needed win. With four games now gone without a victory, Ten Hag’s men desperately need a spark.

But it’s not just the performance on the pitch that’s under scrutiny. Injuries to key players and late transfer dealings, including the arrival of Manuel Ugarte, have disrupted the squad.

Ten Hag himself acknowledged these issues, stating last week, “We knew it would take some time because of how the [transfer] window went… We still have to deal with some injuries, also from some impact players.”