Manchester United's troubled start to the season hit a new low with a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, raising serious questions about the future of manager Erik ten Hag.

Goals from Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski, and Dominic Solanke secured a comfortable victory for Spurs, while United looked disjointed and underwhelming. Although Bruno Fernandes’ red card was a key moment, the performance highlighted the wider issues besetting the team.

The loss marked United’s third defeat in the Premier League this season, leaving them with just three wins from their opening nine matches. With only seven points from six games, the pressure on Ten Hag has intensified as United's form continues to echo last season's struggles, which saw the club finish in eighth place – its worst-ever Premier League finish.

The statistics are even more damning, to say the least. In their last 28 matches under Ten Hag, Manchester United have lost 13, scoring 35 goals but conceding 45.

These numbers draw uncomfortable parallels with Gary Neville's ill-fated spell in charge of Valencia. Neville, who took over the La Liga side in 2016, managed just three wins in 16 league games and oversaw 11 defeats in 28 games, scoring 39 goals and conceding 38.

Despite his legendary status as a player, Neville’s managerial tenure lasted less than four months.

In comparison, Ten Hag’s record of 28 matches, 13 losses, 35 goals scored, and 45 goals conceded presents an even grimmer picture.

Last season, the Dutchman nearly lost his job after guiding United to their lowest-ever Premier League finish. However, a surprise FA Cup victory bought him more time.

The club’s ownership, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS group, seriously considered replacing Ten Hag over the summer. However, they chose to extend his contract until June 2026, showing faith in his long-term project.

But the recent form has tested the patience of United’s hierarchy, with reports suggesting Ten Hag may be given only two more matches to turn things around: a Europa League clash against Porto and a Premier League encounter with Aston Villa.

Should United’s struggles continue, Ratcliffe and INEOS could be forced to reconsider their options. Former Chelsea managers Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter have been previously linked with the role and could be in the frame again if Ten Hag fails to revive the team’s fortunes.