Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has warned that the Premier League giants could face relegation to the Championship following their disappointing start to the season.
United’s struggles intensified after a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, a result that pushed them down to 17th position on the Premier League table.
The Red Devils are now level with 18th-placed Crystal Palace on points, ahead only on goal difference, while sitting just two points above bottom-placed Sunderland. Their position has raised fresh concerns about the club’s performances and its chances of avoiding a relegation battle.
Speaking during an appearance on ESPN NL’s Goedemorgen Eredivisie, Ten Hag, who was dismissed by Manchester United in 2024, admitted that the possibility of the club dropping out of the Premier League could not be dismissed.
The Dutch tactician explained that the competitiveness of the English top flight makes it difficult for struggling teams to recover once they become trapped in a poor run of results.
He said every club in the division has a strong squad and capable manager, adding that a team could find itself in serious trouble if it enters a prolonged cycle of disappointing performances.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s interim manager Michael Carrick has insisted that the team must concentrate on winning matches rather than becoming distracted by its position on the league table.
Reacting to concerns about the club’s proximity to the relegation zone, Carrick said there was little value in discussing the situation without producing better results on the pitch.
He maintained that a series of victories could quickly improve United’s position and move them further up the standings.
Manchester United are scheduled to host in-form Aston Villa on November 8 before travelling to Anfield to face arch-rivals Liverpool on November 22, following the international break.
The two fixtures could prove important in determining the direction of United’s campaign as the club looks to escape the lower end of the Premier League table.
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