Erik ten Hag Struggles to Reverse Manchester United's Season After 3-0 Loss to City, Club Faces Uncertain Future Amid Ownership Changes

United's dismal start marks most losses at this stage of a season since 1986; potential investor Jim Ratcliffe views Ten Hag as key figure, despite growing frustrations from fans and unclear future.

Erik ten Hag, Manchester United's manager, is facing mounting pressure to improve the team's performance after a 3-0 loss to Manchester City, marking their fifth loss in 10 league games, the most defeats at this stage since 1986.
In his first year as United's manager, Ten Hag ended the club’s six-year wait for a trophy and led the team to Champions League qualification and a second final (the FA Cup) which they lost against City. However, this season they are already 11 points behind the leader, Tottenham and eight points adrift of Champions League qualification.
Despite the team's poor performance, it is reported that prospective investor Jim Ratcliffe views Ten Hag as a crucial figure for the club's future. Yet, the history of managerial shifts at United, after Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, suggests plans could change rapidly.
Off-field distractions, including uncertainty surrounding United’s ownership and issues with certain players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Mason Greenwood, and Jadon Sancho, have challenged Ten Hag since his tenure began at United.
Rasmus Hojlund, an $82 million signing in the offseason, has yet to score in the league after seven games, contributing to United's problems. Fans' frustration is evidenced by jeering, which has been on the rise—though the jeers when Hojlund was substituted were directed more at Ten Hag’s decision rather than dissatisfaction with the striker.