Body language expert spots revealing detail about Erik ten Hag after tense Ruud van Nistelrooy exchange

A body language has spotted a revealing detail after watching a tense exchange between Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy during Manchester United's 0-0 draw at Aston Villa.

The pair were spotted having an animated discussion in the dugout during the stalemate at Villa Park.

The result appears to have done little to ease speculation surrounding Ten Hag's position at Old Trafford following a run of poor results.

United's eight points from their opening seven league games represents their worst start to a domestic season since 1989.

And the Manchester Evening News' Samuel Luckhurst reported on Monday morning that the club were lining up Thomas Tuchel to be Ten Hag's successor.

Among the other candidates to take over is believed to be Van Nistelrooy, who is one of Ten Hag's assistants at Old Trafford.

And the pair were involved in an animated exchange during the second half.

Although it is unclear what the exchange was about, neither man looked to be particularly happy with what was happening on the pitch.

🎥 Erik Ten Hag & Ruud Van Nistelrooy seen having an heated conversation about an issue while Rene Hake watches on during Manchester United draw vs Aston Villa on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/lrzjcONV4Y

— UTDQuarters (@UTDQuarters) October 7, 2024

Speaking about Ten Hag's general demeanour in the dugout, body language expert Darren Stanton has given his observations about the United boss.

Speaking to BoyleSports, Stanton said: "He's definitely a man who's looking to be put out of his misery, or is expecting to be taken off to the butcher's shop, if that makes sense.

"He looks ready to call it a day - he looks like a broken man. He looks like he's lost all confidence in himself and his ability to pull it back.

"In isolation, the eyes are the main key to spotting when someone has an internal emotion of anger even though he's trying to mask his feelings.

"Principally, this is not a happy guy at all. He looks like he feels he's been thrown under a bus, really. He's showing contempt for a number of reasons.

"He's in this position because he feels like he's not been listened to and people aren't doing as they're told."