Erik ten Hag ‘was told to QUIT Manchester United role’ by close friend – believes it’s a ‘miracle’ that under-fire boss is still at Old Trafford after dismal start to the season

One of Erik ten Hag’s close friends told the Manchester United manager to ‘quit’ his position and admitted amazement that the Dutchman is still in charge at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag is facing another intense period of scrutiny over his management after a dismal start to his third campaign in charge with United languishing 13th in the Premier League standings and without a win in their two Europa League openers.

The 50-year-old has remained adamant that he is the best person to lead the English giants to success, but could face the sack if United lose against Aston Villa on Sunday with Sir Jim Ratcliffe set to be in attendance.

Ten Hag survived the sack in the summer after winning the FA Cup and signed a new contract at the club as the INEOS-backed sporting department decided to keep him in charge.

They then backed the former Ajax boss with over £200m of new recruits to take Ten Hag’s total transfer spending at the club in excess of £600m, with the majority of his signings largely failing to impress.

United have endured a torrid start during Ten Hag’s third campaign in charge at Old Trafford

The United manager remains adamant that he is the best person to lead the club forward

Now one of his oldest friends, Leon Ten Voorde, has revealed the advice he gave Ten Hag as he attempts to survive another scare.

The pair grew up together in the Netherlands and have remained friends for over 40 years, and Ten Voorde claimed he told Ten Hag to leave his position last season as United suffered their worst Premier League finish.

‘I advised him to leave last summer. He won the FA Cup, so you leave through the front door,’ he told the De Ballen Verstand of TC Tubantia podcast.

‘He’s had a lot of injuries this past year. But then trainers think: “I can turn things around”‘.

However, despite the external pressure crashing down on Ten Hag, his friend admits the United chief remains calm about his situation, adding: ‘How long does United think this can go on? That question is now hanging over United and Ten Hag again. 

‘In general, he is calm and relaxed. But I can’t imagine that this leaves you completely unaffected.’

Ten Hag is attempting to prepare his under-fire United squad for a weekend trip to Villa Park

Ten Hag will attempt to lift his United squad when they travel to face a confident Aston Villa side in the Midlands on Sunday after travelling back from Portugal.

He will be boosted by the availability of captain Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandes had been due to serve a suspension after being sent off against Spurs before the red card was rescinded earlier this week.