REPORT: Ten Hag's Man Utd fate hangs in the balance with replacement on standby

Erik ten Hag faces a crucial meeting on Tuesday in London where his Manchester United future will be determined, as per The Guardian. 

Sir Jim Ratcliffe oversees the football department and will lead the meeting with key figures like CEO Omar Berrada and Sporting Director Dan Ashworth.

While there is no official word on a potential dismissal, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ten Hag's current assistant and former Manchester United star, is reportedly the preferred choice as caretaker manager if needed. 

The former striker’s decent-to-good stint managing PSV Eindhoven in the 2022-23 season, which included winning the KNVB Cup, makes him a strong candidate for an interim role and potential appointment if he excels. 

Ratcliffe has remained noncommittal about Ten Hag's future, emphasising that the final decision rests with the club's executive team. 

He highlighted the relatively recent formation of this executive team, suggesting they need more time to assess the situation.

Despite delivering the FA Cup last season, defeating rivals Manchester City 2-1 on May 25, 2024, the club’s eighth-place finish and dispiriting performances meant the Red Devils considered a managerial change. 

This season has not started positively for the Manchester outfit, with the club 14th in the standings after seven games, losing three, winning two and drawing as many heading into the October international break. 

They are also winless in the Europa League after draws against Twente and Porto. 

The Red Devils host Brentford at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 19, keen to bounce back from consecutive 3-0 Premier League defeats on home soil.