Man United remain tight-lipped as betting odds point to Erik ten Hag exit

Despite reported crunch talks this week in the capital, Man United and its board have remained radio silent on the immediate future of Dutch manager, Erik ten Hag, with betting odds pointing to the former Ajax manager’s exit from the Old Trafford dugout.

Ten Hag, who took the reigns from the Old Trafford side following an impressive spell with Eredivisie pacesetters, Ajax – has so far led the club to league and FA cup successes in back-to-back campaigns, however, has struggled heavily to get a tune from his side early into the season.

Most recently travelling to Villa Park to take on Unai Emery’s high-flying Aston Villa, ten Hag watched on from the sidelines as United hampered to a goalless draw with the UEFA Champions League side, in a rather forgetful showing.

Betting odds suggest imminent exit for Man United boss Erik ten Hag

And amid board talks in Manchester and London this week, Erik ten Hag is boasting unsightly odds as high as -250 to remain as Man United manager into the New Year, with sports betting fans and punters able to both bet on his future – as well as potential future replacement candidates.

Prior to their draw with Aston Villa, United squandered a 2-nil lead at halftime against FC Porto in their UEFA Europa League return, eventually scraping a late 3-3 draw against the Portuguese side through a late header from Harry Maguire.

And in Premier League action, United were reduced to ten-men, with captain, Bruno Fernandes sent off for a high challenge on James Maddison, en route to a 3-nil trashing on home soil at Old Trafford. 

With pressure seemingly high on ten Hag’s post at Man United, a host of potential candidates have emerged to take the reigns in the dugout if his position becomes untenable.

Namely, current assistant manager and former Man United striking favorite, Ruud van Nistelrooy has been mooted as a potential successor – at least on an interim basis before the club sound out a permanent manager.

However, this week, rumors have been rife regarding a potential move for German coach, Thomas Tuchel, who was dismissed as Bayern Munich manager at the end of last season.

A former Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint Germain head coach to boot, Tuchel also led Premier League rivals, Chelsea to their second UEFA Champions League victory against Manchester City – before his exit from Stamford Bridge.

Reports also emerged this week detailing how the club had briefly discussed a potential move for Tuchel in the summer before the season began in August, electing against inking the mercurial coach to a contract.

Returning from international break duty next weekend, Man United are straight back into the fray, as they welcome Brentford to Old Trafford in a Premier League return – with Danish coach, Thomas Frank, who leads ‘The Bees’, also identified as a potential candidate to take the lead at the club, amid his free-flowing success in the division since their promotion from the Championship under his tutelage since his move from his native Denmark.