Why Manchester United may need to make Erik ten Hag decision soon to avoid nightmare scenario

It has got to the stage now with Manchester United where it would almost be a shock to see them play well under Erik ten Hag.

It is safe to say that there were no shocks at Old Trafford on Saturday as United stuttered in another unconvincing performance. A 1-1 draw against relegation-struggling Burnley exposed all the problems in Ten Hag's system, with the Clarets having 16 shots at Andre Onana's goal.

There are mitigating factors which the Dutchman can rightly point to after a promising debut campaign under him. Injuries and off-field issues have plagued the club and left Ten Hag trying to put out multiple fires from the very beginning of 2023/24.

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But United's lack of cohesion and playing style under Ten Hag has been a major problem. The former Ajax boss has done little to convince new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos group that he is the man to play a key role in their new project.

And while there is no chance of a return to the Champions League next season, the European competition they could be in may provide a major roadblock in their bid for a future return to Europe's elite competition. United are currently sixth in the Premier League table but just a point ahead of seventh-placed Newcastle.

Sixth would guarantee a place in the Europa League, with the winners securing a Champions League spot. However, finishing seventh would ensure a place in the Europa Conference League, with the winners of that competition only guaranteed a Europa League place.

A campaign in the Conference League is likely to be a