Erik ten Hag handed four-game ultimatum at Man United with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s “progress not promises” warning

Erik ten Hag has reportedly been handed a four-game ultimatum at Manchester United amid a warning from Sir Jim Ratcliffe after poor results.

Although Manchester United recorded an opening-day victory in the Premier League through a 1-0 win over Fulham, results have not gone as planned in 2024/25.

Following the opening-day victory, Erik ten Hag‘s men fell to a 2-1 loss against Brighton, conceding a 90+6th-minute winner, before being thrashed by Liverpool 3-0 last weekend.

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With the international break in full flow, United’s new owners, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS-led team, are assessing their options. Some fans are questioning whether handing the Dutch manager two years of backing was the correct choice.

According to a new report, they have now given Ten Hag a four-game ultimatum to prove to them that he is the right man to continue his job.

“Insiders say the Dutchman has just four more Premier League games to save his job with Ratcliffe and his new layer of management around and above Ten Hag wanting progress not promises,” journalist Steve Bates explained.

“United’s trip to Russel Martin’s newly-promoted Southampton after the international break is simply a must-win game.

“And any repeat of the embarrassing 4-0 debacle that unfolded at Crystal Palace last season when United travel to Selhurst Park on September 21 might even trigger instant change.

“If Ten Hag can navigate those tests, the next two – Tottenham at home and Aston Villa away – will sway Ratcliffe as to Ten Hag’s ability to provide the necessary improvement.”

Although an immediate change seems unlikely, considering the investment in the team over the summer, United’s new set-up have proved that they are not against making ruthless choices.

United sold Scott McTominay earlier this summer for around £25 million despite Ten Hag wanting the academy graduate to stay, and several off-field cuts have been made to streamline the club’s processes.

Almost all of Ten Hag’s old back-room staff have been changed, and several high-profile players, such as Raphaël Varane and Anthony Martial, were shown the door for free when their contracts expired in June.

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