Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has whisked himself off on holiday in full belief he will not be axed.
The Dutchman‘s future is a topic of discussion having overseen the club’s worst start to a season in 35 years.
It is the first time the Red Devils have picked up just eight points or fewer from their first seven matches since September 1989, where Sir Alex Ferguson‘s men had just seven on the board – and ended the season in 13th.
Ten Hag has incredibly beaten his record of last season which saw United scoop nine points from a possible 21 on offer, which had been their worst tally in the Premier League era.
Following the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham on September 29, the ex-Ajax boss was given at least two games to keep himself in a job.
In that time, United have drawn away against Porto – where they threw away a two-goal lead – as well as holding Aston Villa to a point.
And Ten Hag believes United’s performances in the recent two fixtures have done enough for the board to keep him on.
It’s understood Ten Hag spoke with United’s top brass in the wake of the draw at Villa Park, and has no fear they will sack him during the international break.
His decision comes as co-chairman Joel Glazer, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, his right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford, sporting director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berrade plan to discuss Ten Hag’s future in their monthly meeting later on Tuesday.
While Ten Hag may be relaxed about his situation, the stats make grim reading for United.
With just five top-flight goals from seven, it is their fewest since the start of the 1972/73 campaign.
Their awful start has United, who ended last season in their worst Premier League finish in eighth spot, languishing in 14th place.
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From United’s 11 games in all competition this term, they have won just three matches.
Ten Hag hasn’t overseen a victory in their last five fixtures, with that coming in the Carabao Cup third round against League One outfit Barnsley.
Despite Ten Hag confident he will remain in United’s dugout, it is believed that his assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy would be the favourite to succeed him in a caretaker role should he be sacked.
Meanwhile Brentford boss Thomas Frank is one of three possible contenders to take the job on a permanent basis should Ten Hag be relieved of his duties.
United’s all-time top scorer Wayne Rooney has suggested Ten Hag is missing a ‘good core of British players’ which has halted the club’s progression.
Appearing on talkSPORT Drive on Monday, he said: “Erik ten Hag, he’s an experienced manager, I know he’s trying extremely hard to get it right.
“I think the culture of the football club is… we’ve seen a lot of players who are coming in, a lot of foreign players.
“I think Manchester United’s identity was always a good core of British players and I think that’s maybe missing a little bit, so players who can control the dressing room and help the manager out when they’re going through a difficult period.
“So I think that’s a big change, if you like, from what I’ve seen over the last few years, but we hope Ten Hag can turn it around and get them back challenging.”
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