What the Man Utd squad 'expect' Sir Jim Ratcliffe to do with Erik ten Hag this summer

Erik ten Hag's future remains up in the air with reports suggesting some players 'expect' him to be sacked in the summer.

Pressure on Ten Hag has been constant during what has been a season of regression at Manchester United, following their third-placed finish last campaign. Many expected another year of progression but the Reds currently sit sixth in the Premier League and have broken all kinds of unwanted records in the process.

A total of 11 league defeats already this season has them dangerously close to another record, with United only losing 12 games on two occasions - both of which saw the respective manager let go. Ten Hag may well suffer the same fate and The Daily Mail reports that members of the playing squad believe he will be sacked.

Ten Hag is thought to maintain the support of his dressing room but there is a feeling new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will pull the trigger and bring in his own hire. Ratcliffe's investment in United was officially confirmed last month and the INEOS chief will take control of footballing operations, which includes making decisions on the manager.

Ratcliffe is set to address Ten Hag's future at the end of the season, having focused solely on hires above the Dutchman thus far. United poached Omar Berrada from Manchester City to become their new chief executive while work is ongoing to reach a settlement with Newcastle United for sporting director Dan Ashworth.

The report suggests that a major trophy and qualification for next season's Champions League could see Ten Hag keep his job. But both seem unlikely with Liverpool coming to Old Trafford later this month in the FA Cup quarter-finals while the Reds sit 11 points away from Aston Villa in fourth and six points off Tottenham Hotspur in fifth.

An excellent run of form in the new year pulled United back into contention for a top-four place but they have since suffered consecutive league defeats for the first time since September. Sunday’s loss at Manchester City was somewhat expected but the way in which United were dominated, plus the woeful 2-1 defeat at home to Fulham the prior week, has seen recent optimism wiped out.

United have back-to-back home games against relegation candidates on the horizon, welcoming Everton to Old Trafford on Saturday before Sheffield United arrive the following weekend.