Man Utd board signals lack of faith in Ten Hag as replacement waits in the wings

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is facing growing uncertainty over his future, as pundit Jason Cundy believes the club's recent actions suggest they are not fully backing the Dutchman.

According to Cundy, the decision to offer Ten Hag only a one-year contract extension this summer shows a lack of confidence from the United board, and he has even pointed out Ten Hag's potential replacement — former United legend, Ruud van Nistelrooy.

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Ten Hag’s time ticking?

Despite securing Champions League football and winning two trophies in his first season, Ten Hag's second campaign has started poorly, with two losses in their opening three Premier League games.

United were busy in the transfer window, spending over £150 million ($195m) on new signings to bolster the squad, but results on the pitch have not met expectations.

Cundy, speaking on talkSPORT, feels that Ten Hag is running out of time. He said, “The one-year extension is not backing him. That’s just the board saying, ‘We couldn’t find anyone better right now, so we’ll stick with this.’ It’s like they’re waiting for the right moment to bring in Van Nistelrooy.”

The decision to bring in Van Nistelrooy as Ten Hag’s assistant over the summer has added fuel to the fire.

The former United striker, who netted 150 goals during his playing days at Old Trafford, is seen as a natural successor if things don’t turn around for Ten Hag. “Everyone knows how this ends,” Cundy added. “It’s just a matter of when Van Nistelrooy steps in.”

Van Nistelrooy lurking in the shadows for Man Utd job

Van Nistelrooy, 48, has managerial experience from his time at PSV Eindhoven, where he resigned after falling out with the board.

Now back at United, many believe he’s in a prime position to take over if the board pulls the plug on Ten Hag’s tenure.

For United fans, the big question is: will Ten Hag turn things around, or is it just a matter of time before Van Nistelrooy steps into the spotlight?