Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is under increased pressure following yet another defeat.
Old Trafford was a fortress last season for Manchester United. In 2023/24 it has been a lot more challenging, with losses at an alarming rate.
A home defeat to Arsenal was not surprising yesterday, with United beaten 1-0 after a first half goal scored by Leandro Trossard.
Following the defeat, there was more discussion over his future and a surprise potential replacement.
Mauricio Pochettino linked
Speaking to NBC Sports, insider David Ornstein has said Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is one to watch regarding the Manchester United job.
Pochettino this week told BBC Sport he would have no problem leaving Chelsea at the end of the season if methods behind the scenes do not align.
A decision on his future at Stamford Bridge will be taken soon, which might tempt Manchester United owner Ineos.
NBC Sports asked former Manchester United star Tim Howard if he would support Pochettino being hired at Old Trafford.
He agreed, saying he believes Manchester United’s players would back Pochettino in a way he has not seen under Erik ten Hag.
Howard said: “I do. A collective buy-in creates culture, we’ve seen that with results, we’ve seen the buy-in.
“I’ve never seen a collective buy-in from senior players under Ten Hag.”
Erik ten Hag’s team showed positive signs
Manchester United’s loss against Crystal Palace this past week was a miserable one, which many compared to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer‘s end of reign defeat to Watford.
This even sparked a discussion over whether an interim manager needed to be brought in, although this was denied by United.
The players performed with pride and deserved a point against Arsenal, but just lacked the quality to make the breakthrough.
Is there a collective buy-in all the way through the squad? Perhaps not. Is there one at Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea? Again, that’s not convincing either.
Certainly, Pochettino would be an interesting name to consider if he did part ways with Chelsea. Erik ten Hag meanwhile continues to fight for his future.