Erik ten Hag comments speak volumes as crunch Man United meeting finishes

Erik ten Hag appeared to temper expectations about Manchester United's start to the season before a ball had even been kicked by insisting trophies can still be won even with a bad start to a campaign.

The Dutchman's uncertain future has continued to heat up with United struggling this season as they sit a lowly 14th in the Premier League, earning just two wins in their first seven games, in what has been their worst start to a campaign.

The woeful run of form, which has seen United lose consecutive home games in the league 3-0 and go pointless so far in their Europa League campaign, has led to serious questions about Ten Hag's future, with the hierarchy meeting in London on Tuesday to discuss their next move.

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The 54-year-old - who signed a one-year extension back in the summer - appeared to foresee problems ahead by insisting he could still be successful and overcome a bad start to the season before the first game of this campaign.

"The start is the foundation. If you have a good start it gives you a foundation to run into a successful season," he said earlier this summer. "But if you don't get it, you have to keep going. It can still be a successful season because seasons are very long and trophies are always won in April or May.

"You don't have to [have a good start] but it is very helpful if you do. But the season is long. Of course we are aiming for this. In this period of the year we are aiming to get a successful start."

Ten Hag's comments underline his belief that he can still deliver success - even if they were made before he was aware of the predicament he'd find himself in just months into the season.

However, with each negative result for United, more uncertainty grows around Ten Hag's suitability to lead the team forward. A number of club icons and big-name pundits have all criticised the Dutchman in recent days for failing to establish a clear playing identity despite this being his third season in charge.

A meeting conducted by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other United executives was held on Tuesday to discuss the Dutchman's future with Thomas Tuchel being considered among several replacement options should Ten Hag be dismissed.

The billionaire was spotted at the Ineos offices in London and was joined by Ineos head of sport Sir Dave Brailsford and United sporting director Dan Ashworth. The likes of co-owner Joel Glazer, chief operating officer Collette Roche and chief financial officer Roger Bell also attended.

Ten Hag is said to be confident that he will be in charge for United's home match with Brentford on October 19 following the international break, though no definitive outcome has been relayed.

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