Erik ten Hag learns moment his Man Utd job became 'impossible' after decision by owners

Erik ten Hag is facing a losing battle at Manchester United with Alan Shearer claiming Sir Jim Ratcliffe's public search for his replacement has made his job "impossible". The Red Devils' alarmingly poor form at home, exemplified by consecutive 3-0 defeats at Old Trafford against Tottenham and Liverpool and a meagre goal tally, has raised serious concerns for the future of their Dutch manager.

INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe's highly public pursuit of a new boss during the off-season has tipped Ten Hag's tenure at the Theatre of Dreams into crisis, Shearer pointed out on Monday's instalment of The Rest is Football podcast. Joined by co-hosts Gary Lineker and Micah Richards, the former England striker insisted that the club's actions have undermined Ten Hag, despite his FA Cup triumph last year.

"As soon as it came out in the summer that Man United were looking at other managers, the manager was on a losing run," condemning the lack of support shown to Ten Hag.

"Even though he had his FA Cup win last year which was brilliant and they deserved to win it, as soon as it came out that they were looking at other managers last year, they just did not help him at all. It was virtually going to be impossible for him," Shearer added.

Manchester United considered alternatives to Erik ten Hag in the summer, including Thomas Frank, Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Tuchel, and Mauricio Pochettino, before deciding to keep the Dutchman and triggering a one-year contract extension, reports the Mirror.

Lineker agreed, saying: "It's hard to see him actually turning this around, he must be under terrible pressure, who knows what the owners think, you never know." Following United's third league defeat of the season at the hands of Spurs, Ten Hag was questioned about his future but responded confidently. "No, I am not thinking about this," he said.

"We all made together this decision to stay together, as an ownership, a leadership group in the summer, also we made the decision from a clear review what we have to improve and how we want to construct a squad." Ten Hag acknowledged that improvements would take time, citing the late arrival of some players, injuries, and the need for organisational adjustments.

"We are all on one page or in one boat together, the ownership, the staff and the players as well. I don't have that concern," he added. United face a tricky week with their next clash away to Porto in the Europa League on Thursday. Three days later they take on an in-form Aston Villa before the October international break.