While they managed to make a return to the Champions League last season and clinched the EFL Cup, as well as reaching the FA Cup final, Manchester United still seem to be progressing at a sluggish pace. In the ongoing 2023-24 season, they find themselves in eighth place, having won five and lost five of their ten top-flight matches.
Interestingly, all of their victories this season, against teams like Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nottingham Forest, Burnley, Brentford, and Sheffield United, were secured by narrow one-goal margins. However, the substantial gap in quality between them and their neighbors, Manchester City, became evident as City cruised to a 3-0 win at Old Trafford.
Furthermore, with Manchester United having scored just 11 goals in the Premier League this season, doubts persist about whether Erik ten Hag is the right person to lead the team to success.
According to The Mirror, removing Ten Hag from his coaching role could come with a hefty price tag of up to £15 million, a cost that the Glazer Family, the club's owners, would need to bear if such a decision were made.
Currently, there is no sign of an imminent change in the coaching setup, especially given the ongoing discussions regarding potential investments in the club. Nevertheless, the club's management is well aware of the significance of maintaining their presence in the Champions League, as the revenue it generates is vital for their long-term financial stability, particularly in light of issues with Financial Fair Play (FFP).
Manchester United currently find themselves seven points behind the top five teams in the league, with upcoming matches against Fulham, Luton Town, and Everton, which appear to be favorable fixtures prior to facing Newcastle United and Chelsea in consecutive matches.
Erik ten Hag, who is reportedly earning £9 million annually, will be hoping that the forthcoming set of matches will provide an opportunity for the team to stay within striking distance of the clubs ahead of them in the league.
