Pressure mounts on Erik ten Hag at Man Utd as 'secret meeting' held

Erik ten Hag is under increasing pressure at Manchester United after a ‘secret meeting’ was reportedly held.

After a relatively successful first campaign in charge for Ten Hag, he was expected to build on the club's Carabao Cup triumph and Champions League qualification this season.

However, the 23/24 season has been one to forget for United after their dreadful start left them well behind the top teams.

The Red Devils are currently sixth in the Premier League, eight points off fourth-placed Aston Villa and 16 points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

In Europe, their Champions League dream turned into a horrible nightmare as they were dumped out at the group stage.

As a result, the pressure is starting to increase on Ten Hag as he bids to turn the team’s fortunes around.

However, after the investment from British billionaire and INEOS boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the uncertainties around Ten Hag’s future have raised.

As reported by The Sun, former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter has met with Dan Ashworth, who is expected to become United’s new sporting director.

This comes after reports that Potter is the favourite to take over if Ratcliffe and his INEOS team decide to part ways with Ten Hag.

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Speaking recently about his future, Ten Hag said: “I’m here, I’m under contract for three seasons, so I don’t care. I’m only focusing on the process so I don’t care what’s going around me.

“I have many talks with Jim Ratcliffe but especially also with Sir Dave Brailsford so I know what we are talking about. I have a strong belief and I feel that they believe in me.”

The Dutchman added: “I’m just focusing on the team and I have to find solutions for this team that they perform in the best way they can. It’s all about focusing on this and don’t get distracted by any noise.

“We’re talking about the future, we’re talking about a future together.”

United are back in Premier League action on Sunday when they take on local rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.