Gary Neville has expressed that Manchester United’s goalless draw with Aston Villa has provided Erik ten Hag with some much-needed breathing room. However, the Dutch manager remains under significant pressure, as the next few weeks could be decisive for his future at Old Trafford. With United securing only three wins from their first 10 matches, this has been their worst start in Premier League history.
A Low Bar for Success
Neville noted that a draw against Aston Villa would have been seen as an acceptable outcome by United fans before the match, given their poor form. However, this result highlights the low expectations surrounding the team. United’s eight points from 21 available places them in a precarious position, and the upcoming fixtures leading to the next international break in November could define Ten Hag’s fate.
Challenges for Ten Hag and United’s New Ownership
United’s new structure, including minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and sporting director Dan Ashworth, opted to retain Ten Hag in the summer. Despite the challenging start to the season, the club’s leadership appears hesitant to reverse that decision so early. Neville emphasized that the next few weeks will be critical for the team to gain momentum and stabilize their position in the Premier League.
Ten Hag has acknowledged the team’s lack of goals and emphasized the need for improvement. Despite the poor start, he remains confident, stating that the club’s owners are aligned with him in this long-term project.
