HERE TO STAY – FOR NOW….. Erik ten Hag convinced he knows Man Utd fate after bosses hold seven-hour sacking meeting

Erik ten Hag intends to be in charge of Manchester United’s next game, at home to Brentford after the international break, despite the possibility of the sack still hanging over him.

Erik ten Hag will take charge of Manchester United’s Premier League game against Brentford at home a week from Saturday.

Ten Hag’s future is unknown following a meeting of United’s football officials in London on Tuesday, during which the club’s leadership examined the team’s performance and management.

United play Thomas Frank’s side at Old Trafford in their first game back from the international break, with sources close to Ten Hag believing the Dutchman is solely focused on preparation.

Ten Hag is now on holiday, as is customary during international breaks, but intends to return to work early next week to begin preparation for the Brentford game.

According to sources, it is “business as usual” at United following yesterday’s board meeting, implying that Ten Hag’s supervisors have granted him a stay of execution.

However, the 54-year-old recognizes that results and performances must change immediately if he is to retain the confidence of those above him, who have openly backed him despite United’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season.

United are 14th in the standings, with only two victories in seven games, five goals scored, and a goal differential of minus three, putting Ten Hag’s career at risk.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-chairman Joel Glazer, CEO Omar Berrada, sports director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox, and director Sir Dave Brailsford all convened at United’s London headquarters to debate Ten Hag’s future.

While United have kept quiet about any choices made at the meeting, the lack of a declaration regarding Ten Hag’s future implies he will stay in control for the near future.

But Ten Hag knows he can’t afford a third consecutive Premier League home defeat, following 3-0 losses to Liverpool and Tottenham, when United face Brentford on October 19.

Frank’s team has proven difficult to overcome in recent years, with United coming from behind to win Brentford 2-1 at Old Trafford last season, thanks to two goals in extra time from Scott McTominay (now at Napoli).
The Bees also defeated United 4-0 at Gtech Community Stadium in Ten Hag’s second game as manager in his inaugural season. So Ten Hag understands the magnitude of the challenge that before him if, as expected, he is in the Old Trafford dugout next Saturday.