Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United has been uncertain, and reports suggest that a Premier League manager is being considered as a potential replacement. The identity of this manager remains undisclosed, but the club is reportedly exploring various options as they assess the managerial situation. The decision will likely depend on the club’s priorities and the specific qualities they are seeking in a new manager.

The pressure on Dutch coach Erik ten Hag has intensified since the start of the new season, with Manchester United struggling to produce cohesive performances and experiencing a series of disappointing defeats, including a recent 3-0 loss to rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag, who was appointed by the Glazer family and United chief executive Richard Arnold in the summer of 2022 after a dismal Premier League campaign, initially enjoyed success with a top-four finish and a League Cup victory in his debut season. However, this season has seen a noticeable decline in on-field performance.

Despite the addition of several high-profile players under Ten Hag’s management, including goalkeeper Andre Onana and midfielder Mason Mount, United has encountered challenges. Onana has made errors, and Mount has faced difficulties securing regular starting opportunities.

As a result, pressure has intensified on the 53-year-old coach, casting uncertainty over his future at the club. Despite the challenging situation, both the Glazers and Arnold have publicly expressed their support for Ten Hag, maintaining confidence in his capability to reverse the team’s fortunes.

Simultaneously, as the Glazers proceed with the transition of relinquishing control of United’s sporting operations, ongoing discussions about Ratcliffe and INEOS’s potential investment are taking place. Amidst this transition, Ratcliffe and other stakeholders continue to show faith in Ten Hag’s leadership, considering his successful track record at Ajax and his achievements in his inaugural season with United. They emphasize that the responsibility for the team’s shortcomings cannot be solely attributed to the manager.

Ratcliffe’s forthcoming decisions are anticipated to reshape United’s footballing structure, potentially leading to adjustments in the club’s sporting direction and transfer strategy.

Paul Mitchell is reportedly a frontrunner for the position of sporting director, reflecting the club’s desire for a sustained vision and identity. The objective is to move toward a more sustainable approach, aiming for consistency and success comparable to rival clubs such as Manchester City and Liverpool.

Despite the potential for significant changes behind the scenes, it is unlikely that United will engage in major business during the January transfer window. The current emphasis is on stability, with Ten Hag encouraged to focus on coaching and extracting the full potential from the existing squad.

The club is steering away from impulsive decisions, opting for a measured approach as part of an inquiry led by Brailsford. This evaluation aims to assess the current operation and ensure long-term success rather than succumbing to short-term reactions.

In summary, the discussions surrounding Ten Hag’s future at Manchester United highlight the intricate challenges and complexities facing the club. Stakeholders are in the midst of a transitional phase, striving to articulate a coherent vision for long-term success in the upcoming years.