Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is facing increasing discomfort at Old Trafford following a resounding 3-0 defeat against Manchester City in the recent derby match.
While the Red Devils put up a competitive performance in the first half, they struggled in the second half and could have suffered an even heavier defeat.
This latest loss adds to a dismal start to the season for Ten Hag, with Man Utd losing five out of their first ten Premier League matches.
The team has also faced challenges in the Champions League, experiencing defeats against Bayern Munich and Galatasaray before narrowly clinching a victory over Copenhagen, thanks to a last-minute penalty save by Andre Onana.
Ten Hag had a promising debut season, leading the club back into the Champions League.
However, subsequent performances have fallen short of expectations.
Concerns have arisen regarding his influence in the transfer market, as some of the high-profile signings, such as Antony, Mason Mount, Andre Onana, and Rasmus Hojlund, have yet to fully justify their price tags, despite limited playing time.
Additionally, Ten Hag’s reliance on former players has yielded mixed results.
Reports indicate that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s forthcoming acquisition of a 25% stake in the club will likely reduce Ten Hag’s influence due to a series of disappointing signings.
Ten Hag’s contract at Old Trafford runs until 2025, with an annual salary of £9 million and a weekly wage of £175,000.
If Man Utd were to terminate his contract, the estimated cost would be around £15 million, coinciding with the contract’s expiration.
Furthermore, additional expenses such as compensation and severance costs may be incurred, further increasing the financial implications of the sacking.
The dismissal of the coach would also pose challenges for the new appointee, who would need to work with several players recruited by Ten Hag.
Many of these players are on lucrative contracts, with some signings made as recently as this summer.
Failing to steer the club in the right direction under a new manager could exacerbate Man Utd’s financial concerns.
