After Manchester United’s goalless draw at Aston Villa on Sunday, Erik ten Hag may have played his last game for the club.

Aston Villa’s current state makes it a fruitful and encouraging development for Manchester United, but you get the impression that there is much more going on.

The fans weren’t thrilled with the performance, and it raises more doubts about ten Hag’s suitability for Manchester United going ahead.

Not only have many questioned his play style—or lack thereof—since he was named manager in 2022, but his hiring practices have also drawn criticism.

Following Manchester United’s tie with Aston Villa, Paul Scholes noted that since the team has invested a significant amount of money in it, there are now “no excuses.”

The same was true this summer when the ruling class supported the Dutchman and let him invite anybody he chose.

Among them was Manchester United’s £42 million transfer for midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.

The 23-year-old was not used as a substitute at Villa Park and has played 104 minutes of Premier League football since joining.

According to Premier League Productions (06/10/24 at 7:25 pm), Scholes believes there is something “fundamentally wrong” with Ugarte’s acquisition by ten Hag, but after two games, “he isn’t playing.”

Ugarte was the most recent player to be utilized when Manchester United played Porto in the Europa League on Thursday night. This was similar to his usage at PSG.

Why does Erik ten Hag not have a Manuel Ugarte role?

Scholes remarked, “They have spent money in the summer again.” “Excuses are no longer valid. This group is his squad. He has offered explanations for his injuries, which you can sometimes accept and sometimes not. You invest a lot of cash in a team. He is at a loss for what to say.

“Even when the season began, he declared, ‘I have young players.’” He is adding guys to the team to make it better. A good example is this Ugarte. He was brought in by him to make this team better. After two games, he is no longer participating. Something profoundly wrong must be there in that.

“It appears that the guys they target are too simple to acquire. They aren’t players that you are currently in competition with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Arsenal, or any other team for. Players that aren’t participating for their teams are being brought in by you. Consider de Ligt, who was unable to break into the Bayern lineup. Ugarte was unable to break into the PSG squad.

Before Aston Villa FC and Manchester United FC play in the Premier League at Villa Park on October 9, Manuel Ugarte of Manchester United arrives.
Ash Donelon/Manchester United photo courtesy of Getty Images
Will Erik ten Hag be fired by Manchester United?

It feels that ten Hag’s time is running out and someone else will take his place because the writing is seemingly on the wall.

With the international break approaching, there will likely be plenty of opportunity for those in the Old Trafford boardroom to reconsider if they are no longer persuaded.

READ MORE: “Outstanding” Man United player blows Jamie Carragher away during their match vs Aston Villa

Yes, ten Hag can highlight his domestic championships, but the truth is that his performance in the Premier League isn’t getting any better.

While the players are vying for the badge, many had anticipated that Ten Hag would be the first to go, and that may very well happen right now.