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Manchester United sack prediction as Simon Jordan sets date for Erik ten Hag exit
For Simon Jordan, the former Premier League chairman, it is a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ Manchester United sack Erik ten Hag.
A departure from Old Trafford looks more inevitable now than ever – but not necessarily immediate.
It is certainly a damning indictment that – despite being backed by a host of new signings, with several key players back from injury ,and having been backed by a new sporting structure and a revamped coaching staff – the results remain poor at best.
This is officially Manchester United’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season.
The Red Devils have not scored in three top-flight matches. They have just two points from two Europa League matches too, Andre Onana saving Man United’s skin in Porto after that insipid draw with FC Twente.
But while a meeting between United’s top brass on Tuesday may have created the impression amongst some that Erik ten Hag’s departure was imminent, Simon Jordan feels that the Dutchman is not going to be packing his bags just yet.
Simon Jordan says Manchester United won’t sack Erik ten Hag yet
There is a feeling in some quarters that Man United may have been reluctant to decide on Ten Hag’s replacement despite holding talks with numerous managerial options over the summer.
That is because Dan Ashworth, the technical director who may have the final say, was not in situ until midway through the window.
And one-time Crystal Palace chairman Jordan feels that, with Ashworth, Jason Wilcox, Omar Berrada and co still getting comfortable in the Old Trafford hotseats, it is simply too early in the season to make a change which could define the early days of the Ineos era.
Even if some may argue that sticking rather than twisting will do Man United more harm than good.
“Yeah, [it would be a surprise if they sacked Ten Hag right now], absolutely,” Jordan tells talkSPORT [8 October, 12pm]. “They’ve got a new management structure in place. It’s hardly bedded in.”
Jordan does accept that Ten Hag is likely to be on borrowed time.
That the Dutchman signed only a contract extension rather than a new deal over the summer – after Ineos had discussed terms with the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Roberto de Zerbi and Thomas Frank – created the impression of a marriage of convenience.
And while Jordan feels that an unhappy couple will opt to give it another go, he can foresee a divorce happening in the medium – if not short – term.
Jordan casts Thomas Tuchel doubts and predicts January change
“You cannot expect Man United to have their worst season in the league and start this season in the same way. So [Ten Hag’s] numbers are coming up now, in terms of his time will run it’s course,” says Jordan, who has been an outspoken critic of the ex-Ajax boss since day one.
“But I don’t think it’s now. My view was that he will be gone in January.
“Not because I’ve got any dog in the fight, not because I really care that much about Man United. But I think that, ultimately, he isn’t going to get them where they need to go.
Is he a bad manager? No. Is he a capable operator? Yes. Is he going to get Man United where they want to go? I doubt it.
“So, what is the point [of keeping him]? The thing is, have they got a suitable replacement? Is it Thomas Tuchel?
“Well, Thomas Tuchel is a bag of trouble. And, unless you are going to change his character, you’re likely to get the same outcome with him.”
Man United will reportedly open talks with former Bayern Munich boss Tuchel again, should Ten Hag pay with his job.
But, as the iNews explain, the Red Devils bosses were on a different page to the two-time Champions League finalist a couple of months ago.
Tuchel is understood to have had reservations about a head coach role which affords plenty of power to the directors. There were also concerns, from the German’s side, about the financial package on offer at Old Trafford.
The majority of the other candidates – Simone Inzaghi has reportedly snub Man United to stay at Inter Milan – are currently under contract elsewhere.
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