‘Has been in touch…’: Journo reveals how Ten Hag ‘preparing’ behind-the-scenes after crunch INEOS meeting

Erik ten Hag remains somewhat in the dark regarding his immediate future as Manchester United manager.

Given that the manager himself is none-the-wiser as to INEOS’ verdict on him, the Old Trafford faithful know even less regarding who’ll be at the helm of their beloved club for the foreseeable future.

Plenty of fans who rallied behind the Dutchman in the summer have now finally conceded defeat that he’s perhaps not the man to restore the 20-time champions to their former glories. And while the memories of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup triumphs will live long in the memories of those in attendance, the current side are worlds apart from those competing at the top of the Premier League table.

Indeed, that elusive 21st league title is slipping further and further away with every dismal display United offered up each week. Sunday’s goalless draw with Aston Villa formed a new record for the Red Devils’ worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign after they claimed a mere eight points in the opening seven matches of the term.

Only Southampton, who sit 19th-placed upon their return to the top flight this term, have scored fewer goals than United’s woeful five. In turn, the eight that they’ve conceded has them on a goal difference of minus three; the Reds ended last season with a difference of minus one, being the only club in the top eight of the table to be in the negative.

Ten Hag ‘preparing as usual’ for Bees visit

And yet, ESPN has confirmed that for Ten Hag, it’s business as usual over the international break. He is confident in the belief that he’ll be in the dugout when Brentford make the trip to Old Trafford next Saturday, and he’s already preparing how to attack the game against tactico Thomas Frank.

Rob Dawson’s report adds that the ex-Ajax man has “been in touch with members of his staff who have remained in Manchester during the break” as he opted to jet off on holiday after the Villa stalemate. He will return to Carrington at the beginning of next week.