Erik ten Hag Warns Manchester United Could Face Premier League Relegation
The Dutch manager held nothing back when discussing United's future. His comments about relegation and his turbulent past at Old Trafford have reignited the debate.
Manchester United is once again facing criticism, this time from a former manager. Erik ten Hag did not hold back when discussing the Red Devils' future, delivering a warning that has reignited debate over the historic English club's current struggles.
The Dutch manager, whose time at Old Trafford was far from successful, believes the team is going through a worrying period and made a statement that is unlikely to sit well with Manchester United fans.
TEN HAG SPARKS CONTROVERSY WITH HIS COMMENTS
"In the Premier League, this is certainly possible because every team is strong and every club has capable managers," the Dutchman told Reuters when asked whether the Red Devils could suffer relegation for the first time in more than half a century.
The former manager expanded on his prediction, adding: "If you end up on the losing side once and get caught in that vicious cycle, then yes, it can become very difficult."
However, his sharpest remark came when he reflected on his own tenure at Old Trafford: "Before we arrived, the club had gone six years without winning a trophy. Look where they are now!"
Ten Hag's comments come at a critical time for Manchester United. After nine Premier League matches, the club sits 17th in the standings with just seven points, narrowly above the relegation zone on goal difference.
Furthermore, United have gone nine consecutive matches without a win in all competitions, their worst run since 1984.
ERIK TEN HAG'S TIME AT OLD TRAFFORD AND HIS DEPARTURE
Erik ten Hag joined Manchester United in 2022 with the mission of restoring the club to its former glory. During his tenure, he won two trophies: the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024, the latter coming after a victory over Manchester City in the final.
However, his Premier League results fell short of expectations. Manchester United finished eighth in the 2023-24 season, while the team's inconsistent performances ultimately cost him his job in October 2024.
His dismissal marked the end of a project that never managed to fully take shape. Now, two years later, his latest comments suggest he is still keeping a close eye on his former club.
Although Ten Hag did not openly express any resentment, his reminder of the trophies won during his tenure, alongside Manchester United's current struggles, carried a clear tone of criticism.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils must turn things around as soon as possible to prevent a difficult season from becoming a full-blown nightmare: relegation from the Premier League.
HOW HAS TEN HAG'S CAREER PROGRESSED SINCE LEAVING MANCHESTER UNITED?
After leaving Old Trafford in October 2024, Ten Hag attempted to revive his managerial career in Germany, taking charge of Bayer Leverkusen in July 2025 as Xabi Alonso's successor.
However, his spell came to an abrupt end. He was dismissed on September 1, 2025, after just three competitive matches, recording one win, one draw and one defeat.
In January 2026, he found a new opportunity at FC Twente in the Eredivisie, the club he supported growing up. He took on the role of technical director ahead of the 2026-27 season, stepping away from the dugout for the time being.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM ERIK TEN HAG'S COMMENTS ABOUT MANCHESTER UNITED
- WARNS OF RELEGATION: Ten Hag believes Manchester United could suffer relegation if their poor form continues.
- DEFENDS HIS OLD TRAFFORD RECORD: The Dutchman highlighted the trophies he won and took a swipe at the club's current situation.
- LIFE AFTER UNITED: He was dismissed by Bayer Leverkusen after just three matches before finding a new opportunity at FC Twente.
