Manchester United's season has yet to get going with lackluster performances and shocking defeats placing a ton of pressure on Erik ten Hag. The club's co-owners INEOS held a meeting on Tuesday (October 9) and the manager's future was discussed.
There has been an eerie silence with regards to the outcome of that meeting and whether Ten Hag still has a job. He's on holiday during the ongoing international break and INEOS are yet to confirm or deny whether he'll be coach when the team are back in action.
Some reports claim Ten Hag has retained his job with The Times' Paul Hirst claiming he's avoided the sack. He's overseen two wins and three defeats in seven league games, which is the worst start to a Premier League campaign in the club's history.
Nevertheless, if Ten Hag is in charge he has a crucial set of fixtures on the horizon. We delve into and predict what's in store for the Reds and the Dutchman if he remains manager once the international break concludes.
Manchester United's next five games (Predicted)
Brentford (H) - Premier League (October 19)
Manchester United host Brentford in their first game after the international break on October 19. The Bees have proven to be tricky opposition for top six clubs since their promotion to the Premier League in 2021.
Thomas Frank is one of several coaches linked with replacing Ten Hag, and the Dane has done a stellar job at the Gtech Community Stadium. His side are on a run of three wins and as many losses in seven games, sitting 10th, four places above United.
It could be a tough task for the Red Devils, who are struggling for goals, with just five scored so far. Brentford are quick starters, netting openers in the first five minutes throughout the season. Ten Hag will need his team to be focused from the off, and we expect a slim victory to lift the mood at Old Trafford. Prediction: 2-1 United
Fenerbahce (A) - Europa League (October 24)
Manchester United then turn their attention to the Europa League and come up against a familiar face in Jose Mourinho. The iconic former Reds manager is coaching the Turkish giants and also has the club's former Brazilian midfielder Fred at his disposal.
Fenerbahce have made a topsy-turvy start to the season with five wins, one draw and one defeat in seven Super Lig games. They have other former Premier League stars that fans will be familiar with including ex-Man City striker Edin Dzeko and former Southampton attacker Dusan Tadic.
The Red Devils have yet to win a game in Europe this season, enduring frustrating draws against FC Twente (1-1) and Porto (3-3). This is somewhat of a daunting trip to Turkiye and might unfortunately end in defeat. Prediction: 3-2
West Ham United (A) - Premier League (October 27)
West Ham fans are feeling a similar gloomy atmosphere at the London Stadium at the moment to Manchester United's faithful. The Hammers headed into the season buoyed by the arrival of Julen Lopetegui as manager and some blockbuster signings including Aaron Wan-Bissaka from the Reds, Guido Rodriguez from Real Betis and Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund.
However, the Irons have been inconsistent and calamitous at the back, dropping points from promising positions. They are two places above the Red Devils with the exact same record but a superior goal difference. The west London outfit are at least managing to score.
Ten Hag's men fell to a 2-0 loss in the same fixture last season but could get something from the game at the London Stadium on this occasion. The Hammers might be scoring but they are also conceding and it will be vital the likes of Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund make the most of this. Prediction 2-2
Leicester City (H) - Carabao Cup Round of 16 (October 30)
It's back to Old Trafford for the Round of 16 of the Carabao Cup, the first of two trophies Ten Hag has guided United to during his reign. His men capitulated in the competition last season, crashing out to Newcastle United in the fourth round.
The Reds will face a Leicester side who have made a disappointing start to their season back in the English top-flight. The Foxes might have turned a corner by this stage but the Reds have the depth to overcome Steve Cooper's side. Prediction: 3-1
Chelsea (H) - Premier League (November 3)
Given the run Manchester United will be on by this stage this game could be decisive for Ten Hag heading into the winter. If he's still manager in November and there hasn't been a dramatic upturn in form, it could see INEOS decide enough is enough and wield the axe on the Dutch tactician.
Chelsea will be a difficult test for Ten Hag as the Blues seem to have hit their stride this season. Todd Boehly's never-ending recruitment strategy is finally resulting in success and Enzo Maresca has implemented a goal-frenzy style at Stamford Bridge.
United often fare well against the Blues, especially at Old Trafford but there is no escaping that the visitors are a superior team at the moment. Jadon Sancho will sit the game out as he's currently on loan with the west London giants but they have other attackers to deal with such as Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Joao Felix.
It could be the end of the line for Ten Hag if this game finishes in defeat. We don't see that happening but also can't see the Reds managing to be victorious. Prediction: 1-1
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