Erik ten Hag crisis talks pencilled in after overseeing Man Utd's worst-ever start
Erik ten Hag led his Manchester United team to a goalless draw at Villa Park in front of Sir Jim Ratcliffe but questions remain over the former Ajax manager's future
by John Cross · The MirrorErik ten Hag is facing crunch talks over his future after overseeing Manchester United’s worst ever start to a Premier League season.
United have taken just eight points from their first seven league games and only newly-promoted Southampton have scored fewer goals this season. The United hierarchy - including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe - were at Villa Park to see them held to another goalless draw and a board meeting is expected to be held in London on Tuesday.
United boss Ten Hag admitted they must improve but insisted the owners’ position has not changed and they are still in regular dialogue. Ten Hag said: “We always speak, every week we speak. We are all on board together, on one page, we know what we are working through. It's a long-term process.
"We have come through two very tough away games. This is a team, we showed the belief and faith we have. You see we had a very good organisation and togetherness. There was good character and good spirit as a team. Determined and resilient.
"It's external noise. Internally we are disappointed and we know we have to do better. Especially we need to score more. But I don't have any idea it is different, because they would tell me. We communicate and are very transparent.”
United saw Harry Maguire leave Villa Park with his leg in a protective boot after he was injured before half time while ten Hag admitted Marcus Rashford was lucky not to be sent off.
Rashford was booked by referee Rob Jones for a foul after 59 minutes, then escaped a second yellow card three minutes later and was substituted immediately afterwards.
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Ten Hag added: “It was maybe his second foul but it would be very harsh but you can have the feeling in an away stadium if you make another one, you can hope the referee knows what he is doing.”
Jonny Evans came into the United back-line and impressed, despite having two central defensive partners after Harry Maguire was forced off injured at the break. Speaking to Match of the Day after the draw, he responded to questions about the pressure on United's manager.
"It does affect the players. It's on our minds too," Evans said. "I think the more experience I've got in my career I've made sure I do everything you I to be ready and give everything I can to the team."
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