Erik ten Hag floats relegation as possibility for struggling Manchester United

Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag acknowledged on Saturday that relegation is a genuine possibility for the club following their 2-0 loss to Chelsea. The match left United in 17th place with just seven points from nine games, just one spot above the drop zone. Crystal Palace currently occupies the final relegation position based on goal difference.

United's streak of nine consecutive losses is the longest without a victory since 1984, according to Opta data. Despite previous defeats, such as a 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth and a 4-1 loss in the Champions League against Como, the club decided to retain manager Michael Carrick for the Chelsea game. When asked about the likelihood of relegation, a first in over half a century, Ten Hag stated, "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 over at United in 2022, leading the team to FA Cup and League Cup victories before being dismissed in 2024. "Before we arrived, six years without winning a trophy," Ten Hag remarked, highlighting the club's recent fortunes.

United will face AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday before hosting Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.