I think there is tension among Manchester United Boards over the sacking of Ten Hag – Garry Neville

I think there is tension among Manchester United Boards over the sacking of Ten Hag – Garry Neville

The Man United icon believes the club will ‘reassess’ Erik ten Hag’s future
Ten Hag’s position is under intense scrutiny amid a torrid run of concerning form
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Gary Neville has claimed there is ‘fear in Manchester United’s boardroom’ ahead of their clash against Aston Villa in what could be a make-or-break clash for Erik ten Hag.

The United boss has endured a miserable start to his third campaign in charge and recent thrashings combined with European difficulties have left his tenability come under renewed intense scrutiny.

A heavy defeat against Unai Emery’s high-flying Villa side will leave the Red Devils with just two wins and sitting amongst the Premier League’s bottom half ahead of the international break.

The break in league fixtures is a time when clubs have often made changes in the dugout and United legend, Neville, believes that the situation could ‘escalate out of control’ if things go wrong for Ten Hag’s squad at Villa Park.

‘Clubs do reassess during international breaks. Everyone recognised it felt like a monumental day last week,’ he said on Sky Sports.

Gary Neville has claimed there is ‘fear in Manchester United’s boardroom’ over Erik ten Hag’s (pictured) future
Gary Neville has claimed there is ‘fear in Manchester United’s boardroom’ over Erik ten Hag’s (pictured) future
Neville has questioned Ten Hag’s reign at Old Trafford after a difficult start to his third season in charge
Neville has questioned Ten Hag’s reign at Old Trafford after a difficult start to his third season in charge
Sir Jim Ratcliffe (pictured) has been questioned over Ten Hag’s immediate future at United
Neville believes United INEOS-backed sporting department could make a managerial change in the international break
Neville believes United INEOS-backed sporting department could make a managerial change in the international break

‘This Villa team know what they’re doing. A bit of fear in that United boardroom that the situation escalates out of control.

‘It will be Ashworth, Berrada supported by Wilcox, then it will be Joel Glazer, Ratcliffe and Brailsford who will validate it. They want to get through this difficult time.

‘They’ll want to try and make their own decision. If the result and performance is really bad today then it gets really difficult,’ he added.

More to follow.
Marcus Rashford endured another difficult afternoon as Manchester United were held by Aston Villa at Villa Park, with ex-Liverpool star Jamie Carragher a particularly outspoken critic

Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford had an angry reaction to his substitution against Aston Villa
Marcus Rashford’s substitution against Aston Villa triggered a furious reaction at under-fire manager Erik ten Hag – with Manchester United fans claiming he said “he’s gone mad”.

The Red Devils forward was hauled off during the second half of Sunday’s goalless draw with the Midlands side. It came after he had escaped a red card.

Rashford was originally booked for a late challenge on Matty Cash. He then tripped Leon Bailey as he tried to dance into the United penalty area.

Despite the Villa team and supporters baying for a dismissal, the referee was uninterested. Under-fire Red Devils boss Ten Hag then immediately substituted the forward to avoid a third red card in as many games.

And Rashford’s reaction has got United fans talking. The forward was spotted on camera after his withdrawal visibly annoyed, with some supporters claiming that he said “he’s gone mad” while others suggested that he shouted “it’s so bad.”

Speaking after the game, Ten Hag explained that Rashford’s substitution was to ensure the Red Devils did not go down to ten men. Talking in his post-match press conference, the Dutchman said: “Yes that was one of the reasons to take him off. If it was another foul probably he would be sent off. We can’t take another risk.”

Ex-Liverpool star Jamie Carragher slammed Rashford after the incident and claimed that he was very fortunate not to have been dismissed. He said: “He [Rashford] is very lucky.

“He knows he can’t get the ball. That should be a second yellow and Manchester United should be down to ten men.” Carragher then added: “Rashford knew the player [Bailey] had gone past him. He was almost tripping him up.”

Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford was again taken off against Aston Villa
Away from the attention on Rashford, the spotlight has now intensified on Ten Hag. The Dutchman was given this week’s games to prove he was the right man for the job – neither of which his side have won.

The Red Devils have now endured the worst start in their Premier League history. Heading into the second international, they have won just two league games and sit 14th – already six points behind the top four.

They are next back in action against Brentford at Old Trafford in just under a fortnight’s time. United will then continue their hunt for their first Europa League against Fenerbahce.