Manchester United’s board fear their Champions League hopes are already in jeopardy following the club’s disastrous start to the season.

Manchester United’s board fear their Champions League hopes are already in jeopardy following the club’s disastrous start to the season.

United slipped to their seventh defeat of the campaign with a 3-0 loss to neighbours Manchester City on Sunday.

 

Ten Hag is under increasing pressure, with the squad reportedly questioning his tactics and training methods.

 

United were delighted with Ten Hag’s work last season, when the side won the Carabao Cup, qualified for the Champions League, finished third and reached the FA Cup final.

 

However, the club’s form has collapsed this term and they already trail the top four by seven points.

United have lost seven times this term ESPN say the club’s board already think finishing in the top four could be beyond the side, and it will take a remarkable turnaround to do so.

 

 

Aston Villa and Brighton have joined the traditional top six in a bid for a spot, while Newcastle broke through last term.

 

United have lost two of their opening three Champions League group stage fixtures, and face an uphill task just to reach the knockout stages.

Manchester United fans appeared to make their feelings known by booing Erik ten Hag’s decision to take Rasmus Hojlund off against Manchester City. With United trailing 2-0 to City at Old Trafford and nearly 15 minutes to go, Ten Hag opted to take his main striker

 

The Red Devils host Newcastle in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

 

He then doubled his personal tally when Bernardo Silva’s cross found the 23-year-old inexplicably unmarked in the box.

 

It continues United’s poor start to the season, who remain eighth in the Premier League with 15 points from 10 games.

 

They have lost five out of those matches, as well as twice in the Champions League.

 

 

It has seen pressure ramp up on Ten Hag, who took over in the summer of 2022.

 

The Dutchman’s first season went better than expected as they finished in the top four and won the Carabao Cup – their first piece of silverware since the Europa League in 2017.

However, going forward the Red Devils have struggled with Rashford and Hojlund toiling with just one Premier League goal between them.

 

Garnacho, Antony and Antony Martial have all failed to score in the league this season as well.