Man Utd news: Nightmare run of fixtures could leave Erik ten Hag in world of trouble | Football | Sport

Things aren’t about to get any easier for Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman faced tough questions after his side were dismantled by Bournemouth in front of their own fans on Saturday, and a nightmare run of upcoming games could put his position in the dugout under serious threat.

With 11 defeats in 23 matches this season, and only one win in their last four games, United have been blighted by inconsistency in the Premier League and the Champions League. Ten Hag’s next task concerns fighting for his side’s European prospects after a string of poor results in Group A.

It just so happens that one of their toughest fixtures has been reserved until the final matchday, with Bayern Munich set to line up at Old Trafford on Tuesday. A win will give United a fighting chance of making the knockout rounds, but that will only do the job if Copenhagen and Galatasaray draw elsewhere.

Following up a dismal 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth by crashing out of the Champions League would make the following match absolutely crucial for Ten Hag.

Unfortunately for him, it’s a daunting trip to Anfield next weekend. Liverpool will be thirsty for blood as they look to maintain their spot at the top of the Premier League table – as if they needed an extra incentive to get one over on their bitter rivals.

The Red Devils were beaten 7-0 in last season’s fixture, and a similar outcome would surely leave Ten Hag fighting for his future. Following that is a winnable trip to out-of-form West Ham, before another tough assignment on Boxing Day.

United captain Bruno Fernandes, who is suspended for the grudge match with Liverpool due to yellow cards, has spoken out on the importance of the next few games. « Obviously we know that now the next game is going to be really tough, » said the Portuguese.

« We have to win and obviously wait for a good result in the other game for us. But we have to do our job first of all, and thinking and understanding that is going to be a tough game for us. But we are capable, more than able, to get the result. »