- The most concerning aspect is United's position in the Premier League table.
- Ten Hag acknowledged that Manchester United could face the threat of relegation.
- Michael Carrick's immediate challenge is to stop United's decline.
Manchester United's difficult spell has once again brought questions about the club's direction, with former manager Erik ten Hag suggesting that even relegation cannot be ruled out amid their struggles.
The Dutchman has weighed in on the situation as United continue to search for consistency following a series of disappointing results.
Ten Hag, who managed the Red Devils between 2022 and 2024, also reflected on his achievements at Old Trafford, pointing towards the trophies won during his tenure despite the criticism surrounding his time at the club.
ALSO READ: Lionel Messi Dribbles Past Defenders To Score Stunning Goal In Inter Miami's 2-1 Win | WATCH
The most concerning aspect is United's position in the Premier League table. After nine matches, they sit 17th with seven points, just above the relegation zone on goal difference. According to Opta, the club are also enduring their longest winless run since 1984, having gone nine consecutive matches without a victory.
Ten Hag Warns Manchester United About EPL Relegation
Speaking to ESPN, Ten Hag acknowledged that Manchester United could face the threat of relegation if their poor run continues. He highlighted the competitiveness of the Premier League and warned about the danger of getting caught in a downward spiral.
"In the Premier League it's certainly possible, because all the teams are simply strong. They're all strong squads, all good managers. And if you end up on the wrong side once and you really get into that vicious circle, yes, then it can become very, very difficult," Ten Hag said.
Recommended For You
🚨💣Erik ten Hag has warned that Manchester United could face a relegation battle after dropping to 17th in the Premier League table. 🗣️ Ten Hag: “In the Premier League, anything is possible because all the teams are so strong. And if you end up on the wrong side once and really get caught in that vicious circle, yes, it can become very, very difficult.” (Source: @ESPNnl)
— Topskills Sports UK (@topskillsportuk) November 2, 2026
His comments come at a difficult time for his former club, who have struggled to build momentum under current manager Michael Carrick.
Ten Hag Defends His Manchester United Record
The former Ajax manager also defended his achievements during his two-year spell at Old Trafford. He arrived in 2022 and won the Carabao Cup in his first season before guiding United to the FA Cup title in 2023-24, defeating Manchester City in the final.
However, his tenure also included disappointing league performances, with United finishing eighth in the Premier League in 2023-24. He was eventually dismissed in October 2024.
Reflecting on his time at the club, Ten Hag said: "Before we arrived, six years without winning a trophy. Look where they are now."
He also pointed to the two trophies, two FA Cup final appearances and a third-place league finish achieved during his tenure as evidence of the progress made under his leadership.
ALSO READ: India vs Korea Asian Champions Trophy 2026: Live Streaming, TV Telecast And Match Timings In India
What's Next For Manchester United?
Michael Carrick's immediate challenge is to stop United's decline and move the club away from the relegation zone. Despite the disappointing results, the board has decided to continue backing him.
United will next host AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday, November 3, before travelling to face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, November 8.