Man Utd chiefs have ‘serious concern’ Erik ten Hag must address to keep his job

Ten Hag was publicly backed this week but concerns remain (Picture: Getty Images)

Erik ten Hag is in danger of losing his job unless he can prove to the Manchester United hierarchy he is capable of setting his team up to dominate games and the opposition.

United have lost two of their opening three games of the new season, thrashed 3-0 by arch-rivals Liverpool on Sunday heading into the international break.

Ten Hag has been publicly backed by chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth with support still behind the Dutchman.

There is an acceptance at the club the manager needs time to integrate his five summer signings with his plans also undermined by injuries once again.

New arrival Leny Yoro is ruled out until November with Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw missing the start of the season.

But his style of play, a concern among fans dating back to last season, is being heavily scrutinised by United’s football department, led by Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.

The Guardian report the manner in which the Dutchman has set his side up this season is viewed as ‘underwhelming’ with pressure on to demonstrate his team can assert greater control on games.

Ten Hag signed a one year contract extension in the summer (Picture: Getty)

United secured a narrow 1-0 win over Fulham on the opening day of the season thanks to a debut goal from Joshua Zirkzee.

Despite getting the win, they were still too easily pried open by the Cottagers who had their chances to get something from the game.

Joao Pedro secured a dramatic last-minute winner for Brighton in the second week of the campaign with United’s defensive organisation heavily criticised in the aftermath of that defeat.

United were vulnerable in defence and attack as they were swept aside by Liverpool on home turf on Sunday with Casemiro at fault for two first-half goals.

United are back in action away to Southampton on Saturday 14 September when Manuel Ugarte will be available to make his debut after he was not registered in time for the Liverpool clash.

Rasmus Hojlund was back in light training last week with Shaw also expected back soon.