Erik ten Hag’s close friend reveals how Man Utd boss really feels about sacking reports

Erik ten Hag’s close friend Leon Ten Voorde has explained how the Manchester United manager truly feels, amidst speculations that he may lose his job.

There are rumors that the Dutchman has only two games to turn things around at Old Trafford following a terrible start to the 2024-25 season, or he will be let out.

The Red Devils have lost half of their six Premier League games this season, including an ugly 3-0 home defeat to Tottenham the previous time out.

United haven’t fared much better on the European scene, with draws against FC Twente and Porto in their first two Europa League games.

Ten Hag’s team return to play on Sunday against Aston Villa, who have had a much stronger start to the season.

Their next game is on October 19, when they welcome early goal champions Brentford at Old Trafford.

Amid speculation that Ten Hag may be fired if those matches don’t go as planned, his boyhood buddy Ten Voorde, the De Ballen Verstand of TC Tubantia, asks: “How long does United think this can go on?”

‘That question hangs over United and Ten Hag again. Overall, he is calm and peaceful. But I can’t suppose you’ll be wholly impacted.

Ten Voorde also disclosed that he persuaded Ten Hag to quit United in the summer after leading the team to FA Cup triumph last season.

That was Ten Hag’s second major trophy since taking over as United manager in 2022, following the club’s Carabao Cup victory in his first season.

“I advised him to leave last summer,” said Ten Voorde, who has known the United boss for almost 40 years. ‘He won the FA Cup, so exit by the front door.’

Ten Hag has been chastised for United’s style of play as well as a number of his purchases in previous transfer windows, notably £85,000,000 flop Antony.

However, he has received accolades for developing several of United’s younger players, such Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.