Ten Hag: Relegation Is a Real Possibility for Manchester United

Former Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag said relegation is a real possibility for the club because of the strength of the Premier League. The team dropped to just above the relegation zone after losing 2-0 to Chelsea on Saturday.

According to Opta data, United have taken seven points from nine matches and sit 17th in the table. On goal difference, they are one place above Crystal Palace. The team has not won any of its last nine matches. This is their longest winless run since 1984.

Before the Chelsea match, the club's management decided to continue working with Michael Carrick. That decision came after a 3-0 defeat away to Bournemouth and a 4-1 defeat away to Como in the Champions League.

Asked about the possibility of relegation for the first time in more than half a century, Ten Hag spoke to ESPN. Saying it was absolutely possible in the Premier League, Ten Hag stressed that all teams have very strong squads and good managers. He added that once a club falls onto the wrong side, it can get stuck in a vicious cycle, and that getting out of it can become very difficult.

Ten Hag recalled that he came to United in 2022 and won one FA Cup and one League Cup during his time in charge. The Dutch coach, who was dismissed in 2024, said the club had not won a trophy for six years before he arrived. Ten Hag also noted that he has now been appointed head coach of FC Twente ahead of the 2026/27 season.

United will host AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday. On Sunday, they will face Aston Villa in the Premier League.