Man Utd dressing room 'expect Erik ten Hag sack' as thoughts emerge before Porto clash

Manchester United's players reportedly believe Erik ten Hag will soon be sacked. The Dutchman has failed to lead the Red Devils to a positive start to the season, with the club winless in their last three matches.

Sunday's thumping 3-0 defeat by Tottenham culminated a difficult start to the Premier League season, which has seen just two wins in six matches. There was also a hugely underwhelming start to the Europa League campaign, with Twente managing to secure a point in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag is now fighting for his job just months after being retained as head coach and handed a contract extension by new minority shareholders INEOS. Some of his players reportedly believe that his time is running out.

According to the Daily Mail, there is a growing feeling among the dressing room that Ten Hag could soon be sacked. United have reverted to some of the bad habits of last season, despite a £200million summer splurge.

Additionally, members of the squad who spoke among themselves after Sunday's defeat against Spurs are reported to have noted that the team lacks character and fight in moments of adversity.

That comes after Benni McCarthy, a first-team coach at United until the summer, observed that Ten Hag should show more 'passion' and 'fight'.

Speaking to Portuguese outlet ZEROZERO, the former Premier League striker said: "In modern football, I believe that players want to see a bit more passion in their coach. They need to feel that the coach is with them and willing to fight alongside them.

"Tactically, I feel that Erik is at the top. He lacks a bit of that fire, that passion. That's where we differ, him and I."

It comes amid reports that United's players would welcome Ruud van Nistelrooy's appointment as Ten Hag's successor. The former Red Devils striker was appointed as an assistant coach during the summer as part of a restructure of the club's sporting department.

According to the Daily Star, members of the United dressing room would encourage INEOS chiefs to appoint Van Nistelrooy if they choose to sack Ten Hag. Players have seemingly been impressed with the ex-PSV boss' start to life at the club.

However, Ten Hag is reportedly set to be given until at least the October international break. A Europa League clash with Porto and a Premier League fixture against Aston Villa - both away - present opportunities for the 54-year-old to prove his long-term future remains at Old Trafford.