Erik ten Hag made suspicions clear to Sir Jim Ratcliffe as Man Utd meeting ends

Erik ten Hag appeared to prepare Manchester United fans and Sir Jim Ratcliffe for a poor start to the season months ago - but insisted it wouldn't necessarily mean a campaign of failure.

The Old Trafford boss is under immense pressure after an abysmal start to the season which has left United languishing in 14th place. position at the helm has come under increased scrutiny following back-to-back home defeats and a winless start to their campaign, prompting over his future.

Despite signing a contract extension in the summer, the 54-year-old seemed to suggest he suspected they could have a tough start even before the campaign began, although he stressed success would still be achievable.

"The start is the foundation. If you have a good start, it gives you a foundation to run into a successful season," Ten Hag said during pre-season.

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"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 pre-season comments show that he still thinks he can deliver success for Ratcliffe and turn things around at , despite coming before he was fully aware of the challenges he'd face just weeks into the season. The Dutchman has faced criticism from club legends and pundits for a perceived failure to establish a clear playing style, despite being in his third full season at the helm.

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As pressure grows, a high-level meeting was held on Tuesday involving Ratcliffe and other United executives to discuss Ten Hag's future. Thomas Tuchel is reportedly among several potential replacements being considered if Ten Hag is shown the door.

Ratcliffe was seen at the INEOS offices in London, joined by the company's head of sport Sir Dave Brailsford and United sporting director Dan Ashworth. Other attendees included co-owner Joel Glazer, chief operating officer Collette Roche and chief financial officer Roger Bell.

Despite the uncertainty, Ten Hag is said to be confident that he will still be in charge for United's home game against Brentford on October 19 after the international break, although no final decision has been made yet.

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