Erik ten Hag is reportedly under pressure to improve Manchester United's 'game model', as INEOS chiefs are believed to have been 'underwhelmed' by the team's style of play in the early exchanges of the 2024-25 campaign.
The Dutchman kept his job at Old Trafford over the summer despite a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, which saw the Red Devils finish in eighth spot in the Premier League table.
Man United's FA Cup success played a major role in Ten Hag staying on as head coach, and the Dutchman was handed a contract extension until June 2026.
However, the 20-time English champions have lost two of their first three Premier League matches of the season, including a 3-0 reverse to Liverpool last weekend.
Man United's chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth have both recently insisted that Ten Hag still has the full support of the club.
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Man United chiefs 'want' to see an improvement in the coming weeks
However, according to The Guardian, Ten Hag is in danger of losing his job in the early stages of the campaign unless he can improve the team's 'game model'.
The report claims that there are concerns surrounding Ten Hag's set-up, with the club's new technical director Jason Wilcox closely monitoring the playing style.
Man United chiefs allegedly accept that injuries have been an issue early in the season, particularly the absence of Rasmus Hojlund, who picked up a hamstring injury during a pre-season friendly with Arsenal at the end of July.
The Red Devils have also made five new signings this summer, and Ten Hag will seemingly be given time to integrate them into the side.
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How can Ten Hag turn it around?
A lack of midfield control has been a major problem for Man United once again this season, with the team struggling in that area in each of their three league games against Fulham, Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool.
Manuel Ugarte should be available to make his debut against Southampton after the international break, though, and his introduction could be key, with Casemiro likely to be the player to drop out of the side due to his struggles against Liverpool.
Hojlund is also due back against Southampton, while Luke Shaw has a slight chance of facing his former club.
Man United have a busy schedule in the coming weeks, with their Europa League and League Cup campaigns beginning, and there will be a chance for the team to put together a consistent run of positive results.
Ten Hag needs to settle on his strongest side, though, and then resist the temptation to make in-game changes to his defence, as that has also been an issue in the early stages of the 2024-25 campaign.
Matt Law
