Ten Hag warns Manchester United relegation threat is ‘certainly possible’

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says relegation is a genuine possibility for the club after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat by Chelsea left them just above the Premier League drop zone.

United are 17th with seven points from nine games, level with Crystal Palace but ahead on goal difference. They have not won any of their past nine matches, their longest run without a victory since 1984, according to data firm Opta.

The club’s board retained manager Michael Carrick for the Chelsea fixture despite a 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth and a 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League before Saturday’s match.

United are now facing the prospect of relegation for the first time in more than half a century. Asked by ESPN whether that outcome was possible, Ten Hag said: “In the Premier League it’s certainly possible, because all the teams are simply strong.

“They’re all strong squads, all good managers. And if you end up on the wrong side once and you really get into that vicious circle yes, then it can become very, very difficult.”

Ten Hag took charge of Manchester United in 2022 and won the FA Cup and League Cup during his time as manager. He was dismissed in 2024.

The Dutchman, who has been appointed FC Twente’s technical director ahead of the 2026-27 season, also reflected on the club’s decline since his arrival.

“Before we arrived, six years without winning a trophy,” he said. “Look where they are now.”

Manchester United’s next match is at home to AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday. They then travel to face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.