Man United remain mired in their current, subpar form while Ten Hag's bosses watch on.

Unfortunately, however, not every company or individual offers these facilities. Sir Jim Ratcliffe may want his money back after investing PS1.25 billion into Manchester United for all the thrills and spills associated with being associated with one of world football’s premier clubs… unless it brings satisfaction in firing their manager Erik ten Hag’s United came away from Villa Park having managed only eight points from seven matches played this Premier League campaign – the worst start ever seen for United in their 119 year history! Before Alex Ferguson took charge in 1989 in the old First Division, his side only earned seven points during their season opening campaign. Ratcliffe will likely have watched with mixed feelings as United remain winless after five matches and have scored just five Premier League goals — only Southampton have managed less (5); United have suffered humiliating home losses against Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur and only the draw at Villa can prolong his existence at Ineos for now; any additional patience shown towards their coach might only delay its inevitable fate further. Ten Hag simply cannot perform as expected and her performance and results speak volumes of that fact. Ten Hag’s forwards certainly don’t live up to United’s lofty standards, yet his involvement in signing Rasmus Hojlund, Antony and Joshua Zirkzee leaves no escape clause when it comes to lacking bite. Instead, Ratcliffe, after becoming part owner alongside Glazer family investments and taking charge of football operations as of February, decided not to remove Ten Hag as manager after Ajax delivered victory in FA Cup win against Manchester City at Wembley last season. Ten Hag had recently led United to their lowest Premier League finish ever of eighth and the club were actively in talks with potential successors such as Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel Roberto De Zerbi and Kieran McKenna – including those Mauricio Pochettino had suggested previously as possible choices for Ten Hag’s position as coach. Gareth Southgate had also been considered, yet Erik Ten Hag stayed after two-week wait to be told he remained United’s man and promised that things would improve soon enough. Yet here they sit: United are languishing in 14th position after just two wins against Fulham and Southampton since August; Erik ten Hag trudges off after United once more failed to show any attacking fluidity under him. United’s financial concerns remain central to their dilemma, having posted annual losses of PS113 million last month; but at some point sporting considerations will become paramount, particularly as qualification for next season’s Champions League becomes less likely. But after last night’s match Ten Hag was unwavering in his resolve. Ten Hag believes things are improving and does not fear losing his job. “Every week,” Ten Hag explained, “we discuss everything together as one team; everyone understands what we are working through – this process will take some time.” He pointed to two tough away games. “This team showed their faith and trust. My ideas don’t differ significantly with any board supporting him; our communication channels were open and transparent.”… while Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir David Brailsford watch from Villa Park. On Tuesday, Ratcliffe and his Ineos team are holding an Ineos board meeting at United, so Ten Hag’s position will likely come up for discussion. At present, Ten Hag will likely stay put while hoping that results and performances improve; his lack of an obvious replacement also works to his favor right now.