Gary Neville claims there is ‘fear’ in the Man United boardroom – and reveals why it could get ‘really difficult’ for Erik ten Hag during the international break

Gary Neville has claimed there is ‘fear in Manchester United’s boardroom’ ahead of their clash against Aston Villa in what could be a make-or-break clash for Erik ten Hag.

The United boss has endured a miserable start to his third campaign in charge and recent thrashings combined with European difficulties have left his tenability come under renewed intense scrutiny.

A heavy defeat against Unai Emery’s high-flying Villa side will leave the Red Devils with just two wins and sitting amongst the Premier League’s bottom half ahead of the international break.

The break in league fixtures is a time when clubs have often made changes in the dugout and United legend, Neville, believes that the situation could ‘escalate out of control’ if things go wrong for Ten Hag’s squad at Villa Park.   

‘Clubs do reassess during international breaks. Everyone recognised it felt like a monumental day last week,’ he said on Sky Sports.

Neville has questioned Ten Hag’s reign at Old Trafford after a difficult start to his third season in charge

Neville believes United INEOS-backed sporting department could make a managerial change in the international break

‘This Villa team know what they’re doing. A bit of fear in that United boardroom that the situation escalates out of control.

‘It will be Ashworth, Berrada supported by Wilcox, then it will be Joel Glazer, Ratcliffe and Brailsford who will validate it. They want to get through this difficult time. 

‘They’ll want to try and make their own decision. If the result and performance is really bad today then it gets really difficult,’ he added.

More to follow.