Manchester United's exit from the Champions League on Tuesday night was the latest in a long length of setbacks this season, one that looks unlikely to be brought to an end anytime soon. As a result, some questions are starting to be asked about the long-term future of Erik ten Hag.
The club's supporters were delighted with the job he did during his first season in charge, leading the club to the Carabao Cup and a top four finish in the league. However, they seem to have gone backwards in this campaign.
Not only have results been poor, but the team still look to be playing without any sort of tactical philosophy on the pitch. That does not reflect well on Erik ten Hag when you consider the impact that some other managers in the Premier League have had on their teams.
As well as that, his record in the transfer market is now coming under major scrutiny. He has been given the final say on player incomings, signing a number of players that previously worked under him. Of all of the players he has brought in, only Lisandro Martinez could be viewed as a real success at this point.
All of this, combined with a new ownership structure, means that he is now coming under some pressure in his position.
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Jim Ratcliffe already lining up potential Erik ten Hag replacement
Jim Ratcliffe will complete his purchase of a minority stake in Manchester United in the coming weeks, with the English businessman set to be given control of the club's footballing affairs once the deal goes through. He is likely to make sweeping changes at Old Trafford, ones that could include a change of manager.
The Sun are reporting that Ratcliffe is already lining up Graham Potter to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
It is said that he has already met with the 48-year old to discuss the possibility, who has been out of work since leaving Chelsea back in April. He has turned down a number of jobs since then as he waits for the right opportunity.
Jim Ratcliffe and his company INEOS are said to be huge fans of Graham Potter and reportedly tried to lure him to Nice in the past. He is now being viewed as a frontrunner to succeed Erik ten Hag if results do not dramatically improve in the months ahead.
How wise such a move would be can certainly be debated. Potter seemed to struggle with both the spotlight and egos in the dressing room at Stamford Bridge, two things that would be even tougher to deal with at Manchester United.
Despite this, it may be felt that his coaching background and clear tactical vision would be a good fit as manager of the club. As well as that, he would not be given full control of transfer as Jim Ratcliffe looks to employ a director of football in one of his first moves as minority owner.
It will be interesting to see if this rumour continues to grow legs over the weeks and months ahead.
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