Exclusive: Man United board want to make Ten Hag sack statement – Ex-chief scout
Man United chiefs want to make a “statement” by sacking Erik ten Hag after a dismal run of results, according to the club’s former chief scout.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Mick Brown, who remains well-connected at United after spending well over a decade at the club, where he also worked as their assistant manager, revealed that there is “major concern” in the boardroom about Ten Hag’s position.
Brown explained that the club’s INEOS-led hierarchy will want to show the players and the supporters that their current situation is not good enough – and could do so by dismissing Ten Hag.
Following the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham at Old Trafford on 29 September, there is a growing belief that the Dutch manager is running out of time to save his position.
This comes after Football Insider revealed that “alarm bells” have been ringing on the United board as pressure continues to grow on the manager’s position.
The manager’s statements in the media and performances on the pitch have also raised concerns, with no urgency or progress being made in his third season at the club.
Man United’s chiefs have also been told they will have to find a replacement for the boss “quickly” to limit the negative impact of his dismissal, should they pull the trigger.
Man United board to make Erik ten Hag sack statement
Brown has insisted that sacking Ten Hag now would send a message to the supporters and the players that the current standard is not good enough.
“From what I hear, he doesn’t have long left, the way things are going,” he told Football Insider.
“I wouldn’t be surprised by whatever happens, but getting rid of the manager at this time of year means they’ll have to find a replacement quickly.
“But they will feel they’ve got to put a marker down in the sand.
“They need to show the players, the supporters, and everybody else that this isn’t good enough and they won’t put up with it.
“That’s the statement they want to make – this has not been good enough. They’d be doing that if they were to let him go.
“Ten Hag is coming up with the same stuff every week and it’s not working. That will be a major concern for the club.“
In other news, Erik ten Hag remains “one defeat away from sack crisis” at Old Trafford.
For more Man United news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.