Are Manchester United set to sack Erik ten Hag? Fresh reports emerge on Dutch manager
Erik ten Hag's future at Manchester United has been subject to speculation following a dismal start to the new season from his side. However, as per Football Insider, the Red Devils are not planning to sack the Dutchman right now.
Reliable journalist Pete O’Rourke claimed on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast that Manchester United are ready to give Ten Hag time to improve his side's performance. It has been claimed that the Dutchman will get time at least until Christmas.
Ten Hag's side have made a disastrous start to the new season having won just one of their opening three league games and losing the other two. They secured a 1-0 win against Fulham thanks to a late Joshua Zirkzee winner but suffered defeats at the hands of Brighton and Liverpool.
Brighton secured a 2-1 victory at the Amex Stadium against the 20-time English champions. The Red Devils lost 3-0 to arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford in the next game, putting Ten Hag under more pressure.
However, the Manchester United hierarchy is not looking to make a hasty decision and sack the manager. They are ready to offer the Dutchman time to integrate his new signings to the starting XI and improve the team.
Ten Hag was appointed by Manchester United in the summer of 2022 and he enjoyed a rather solid debut season in English football. They finished third in the 2022-23 season but dropped to eighth last season.
The Red Devils have fared a lot better in cup competitions having won one FA Cup and one League Cup under ten Hag's tutelage. If not for his FA Cup win last season beating Manchester City in the final, he might have been axed in the summer.
Ten Hag has spent £407 million on new signings since joining Manchester United in 2022 with Chelsea being the only team to have spent more. He was backed heavily by the club this summer too with five major signings.
Roy Keane claims Manchester United star could rediscover his form if played in a new role
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has claimed that Casemiro could bounce back from his poor form if he is played in a new role. The pundit suggested that the Brazil international could thrive if he is played in an advanced role with Manuel Ugarte taking over the number six position. The former Republic of Ireland international said, as quoted by EPL Index:
"I wouldn't be writing him off. His role in the team, if he gets back in and a couple of games under his belt, might be a bit higher up the pitch. He can't get around the pitch like he used to, but he's shown that he's got an eye for a pass. He gets his head on set-pieces. Moving him higher up could help him rediscover some form."
The seven-time Premier League winner added:
"I don't think he's the best at receiving it on the half-turn. Ugarte can sit deeper, letting Casemiro focus more on offensive play."
Casemiro had a game to forget against Liverpool last week as he made errors leading to the first two goals and was dispossessed 13 times. He was taken off at half time as Arne Slot's side strolled to a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford.