Manchester United’s disastrous start to the 2024/2025 season has triggered a high-stakes crisis meeting among the club’s top brass. With the team’s performance under intense scrutiny following a string of poor results, pressure mounts on manager Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman, who led Manchester United to their worst-ever start in a Premier League campaign, now faces crucial talks that could determine his future at Old Trafford. This follows a disheartening 0-0 draw against Aston Villa, leaving Manchester United winless in their last five matches across all competitions.
The upcoming meeting, scheduled for Tuesday in London, is expected to shape the club’s direction amid growing dissatisfaction from fans and club executives. Spearheaded by the club’s new football operations head, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the meeting will bring together key decision-makers who will assess whether Erik ten Hag is the right man to turn things around.
Who’s Attending the Meeting?
The meeting will feature Manchester United’s top hierarchy, including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-chairman Joel Glazer, and INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford. This trio has taken full control of United’s football operations and will be central to discussions surrounding the club’s struggles. Ratcliffe, who recently increased his stake in the club, witnessed Manchester United’s struggles firsthand during their latest disappointing performance against Aston Villa. This meeting, however, is his first as the dominant force in the club’s football affairs.
Joel Glazer is flying in from the United States specifically for this meeting, demonstrating the gravity of the current situation. The meeting will also include several other senior figures, such as chief executive Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox, and chief financial officer Roger Bell. Collette Roche, Manchester United’s chief operating officer, rounds out the list of attendees. These individuals, who oversee the club’s day-to-day functions, are expected to play significant roles in the final decision about Ten Hag’s future.
Who Holds the Power to Decide Erik Ten Hag’s Fate?
Ultimately, the decision on whether Erik ten Hag remains Manchester United’s manager will rest with Ratcliffe, Glazer, and Brailsford. As the club’s primary decision-makers, this trio will weigh the team’s lackluster performances against Ten Hag’s overall vision for the future. However, input from other key figures like Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth, and Jason Wilcox will be instrumental in guiding their final verdict. Ratcliffe has openly stated that, while he is at the helm, he will depend on the recommendations from the club’s internal management team.
In a recent interview with BBC Sport, Ratcliffe explained his approach, saying: “At the end of the day, it’s not my call. It’s the management team running Manchester United that has to decide how we best run the team in many different respects.” He also emphasized that the current management team only came together in mid-2024, suggesting that they may still need time to fully assess Ten Hag’s performance. However, with the team languishing at the bottom half of the table, patience is wearing thin.
The Growing Pressure on Erik Ten Hag
The spotlight on Ten Hag has intensified after a series of lackluster results. Manchester United’s thrashing at the hands of arch-rivals Liverpool last month, followed by consecutive underwhelming displays, has left both fans and club executives frustrated. Ten Hag, who was initially hailed for his tactical acumen, now finds himself at the center of mounting criticism, with questions arising over whether his methods are suited to a club of United’s stature.
Adding to the pressure, Manchester United has only managed three wins since the season kicked off, a record far below expectations for a club aiming for top-four contention. As Tuesday’s meeting approaches, Ten Hag’s future hangs in the balance. Should Ratcliffe and the board decide that a managerial change is necessary, it could signal the start of yet another rebuilding phase at Old Trafford, a prospect that has become all too familiar for Manchester United fans in recent years.
What’s at Stake for Manchester United?
Manchester United is no stranger to managerial turmoil, having cycled through a series of managers in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. Erik ten Hag’s potential departure would mark the continuation of this trend, raising further questions about the club’s long-term strategy. For a club with a rich history of success, the prospect of another managerial change could deepen the instability that has plagued United for over a decade.
Tuesday’s crisis meeting represents more than just a decision on Ten Hag’s future—it’s a pivotal moment for Manchester United’s broader ambitions. With key figures like Ratcliffe and Glazer involved, the outcome could have profound consequences for both the team’s immediate prospects and its long-term aspirations. The meeting will also be closely watched by Manchester United fans, whose frustrations are reaching a boiling point after years of underachievement. As the club’s leadership convenes, the fate of Erik ten Hag and the direction of Manchester United hang in the balance.
