- The Manchester United boss was previously told to “resign” from his position at the club.
- A close friend of Erik ten Hag reveals how the United manager feels amid scrutiny
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One of Erik ten Hag’s close friends told the Manchester United manager to “resign” from his job and admitted his surprise that the Dutchman is still in charge at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag faces another intense period of scrutiny over his management after a dismal start to his third campaign in charge, with United languishing in 13th place in the Premier League table and without a win in their opening two matches of the Europa League.
The 50-year-old has remained adamant that he is the best person to lead the English giants to success, but could face the sack if United lose to Aston Villa on Sunday with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in attendance.
Ten Hag survived the sacking in the summer after winning the FA Cup and signed a new contract at the club when the INEOS-backed sporting department decided to keep him in charge.
They then backed the former Ajax boss with more than £200m in new recruits to take Ten Hag’s total transfer spend at the club to more than £600m, with most of their signings failing to impress.
One of Erik ten Hag’s close friends told the Manchester United manager to “resign” from his position.
United have made a torrid start to Ten Hag’s third campaign in charge at Old Trafford.
The United manager remains convinced that he is the best person to lead the club
Now one of his oldest friends, Leon Ten Voorde, has revealed the advice he gave to Ten Hag as he tries to survive another scare.
The pair grew up together in the Netherlands and have been friends for more than 40 years, and Ten Voorde claimed he told Ten Hag to leave his role last season when United suffered their worst Premier League result.
“I advised him to leave last summer. He won the FA Cup, so you go out through the big door,” he told TC Tubantia’s De Ballen Verstand podcast.
“He’s had a lot of injuries last year. But then the coaches think, ‘I can change things.’
However, despite the external pressure falling on Ten Hag, his friend admits the United boss remains calm about his situation, adding: “How long do United think this can go on? That question hangs over us again. United and Ten Hag.
‘He’s generally calm and relaxed. But I can’t imagine this doesn’t affect him at all.’
Ten Hag is trying to prepare his United team for a weekend trip to Villa Park.
Ten Hag will look to improve his United side when they travel to face a confident Aston Villa in the Midlands on Sunday after returning from Portugal.
He will be boosted by the availability of captain Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes was due to serve a suspension after being sent off against Spurs before his red card was overturned earlier this week.