Current view of Manchester United chiefs on Ten Hag

In the wake of the 3-0 crushing defeat to Liverpool, Manchester United executives Omar Berrada and Dan Ashworth have broken their silence.

In a public statement, they have thrown their weight behind Erik ten Hag, insisting that the Dutchman still has their full support. But is this public backing a genuine vote of confidence or merely a temporary shield against the mounting pressure?

After a dismal start to the season, with two consecutive league losses and a faltering £176 million summer investment, whispers of Ten Hag’s job being on the line have grown louder. Sky Bet’s odds suggest he’s now the joint-favorite to be the next Premier League manager sacked—a stark contrast to the optimism that followed last season’s FA Cup triumph.

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Berrada’s statement, though firm in its support, may hint at an underlying unease. His emphasis on the decision to hire Ten Hag being made before his own arrival suggests a potential distancing from the responsibility if results don’t improve.

“Erik has our full backing and we have worked very closely together in this transfer window. We’re going to continue working very closely with him to help him get the best results out of the team.

“Absolutely. We think Erik is the right coach for us and we’re fully backing him.”

Meanwhile, Ashworth’s eight-week tenure has seen him navigating a delicate balance, trying to support a manager who inherited a team still struggling to find its identity.

“Very rarely do you go into a job as a sporting director and there’s no manager in place. It happened at Newcastle with Eddie Howe and also at West Brom where Tony Mowbray was in place,” he said.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with Erik for the last eight weeks. My job is to support him in every way I possibly can to fully focus on the training pitch and the match tactical plan to deliver success for Manchester United.”

As pundits like Gary Neville question whether Manchester United is truly on the right path, the clock is ticking for Ten Hag. With public backing from the board, the spotlight is now firmly on him to turn things around—or risk confirming the speculation that his time at Old Trafford could be running out. Is the board’s support a genuine lifeline, or just a tactical delay before inevitable change? The next few months will reveal all.