Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag remains under huge pressure at Old Trafford but has been praised by a former player.
This season was meant to be different for Manchester United. So far, it feels like more of the same.
United have won just two of the first seven Premier League games and are winless in two Europa League games.
Erik ten Hag has overseen two 3-0 home defeats and United have scored just five league goals so far this season.
The Dutchman is far from secure at United and Ineos were weighing up his future last week.
Ten Hag appears to be safe for now but he certainly needs results soon – or he may not be so fortunate in the next international break.
Ajax star on Erik ten Hag
Ten Hag can’t keep pointing to injuries and bedding in new signings.
United need performances and results sooner or later and some United fans have already given up on Ten Hag.
One of Ten Hag’s former players has now offered major praise though just as the United boss faces major pressure.
Ajax defender Devyne Rensch has been asked whether new boss Francesco Farioli is at all similar to Ten Hag.
Rensch made his Ajax first-team debut under Ten Hag in 2021 having progressed through the club’s ranks.
The versatile defender has now played more than 140 games for Ajax and has earned one Netherlands cap.
Rensch, as quoted by FC Update, admitted that Farioli does remind him of Ten Hag for one specific reason.
Both Farioli and Ten Hag are ‘tactically super strong’ in the eyes of Rensch, so he understands the likeness.
“Yes, actually. They are both tactically super strong, so I understand the comparison,” said Rensch. “It is really a trainer, the entire staff actually, who is on top of things tactically. But also just as a person, it is nice to work with them,” he added.
Ineos well aware of Farioli
Ironically, Ajax boss Farioli is one man who is already on the Ineos radar.
Ineos brought Farioli to Nice in 2023, appointing him as their new manager after being impressed with his potential in Turkish football.
Farioli won nearly 45% of his games at Nice and reports suggested that he was in the thinking if Ineos wanted to replace Ten Hag over the summer.
The Italian instead decided to make a surprise move to Ajax, taking the reins after a difficult spell for the Amsterdam side.
Ineos may well keep tabs on Farioli moving forward with the 35-year-old – formerly one of Roberto De Zerbi’s key coaches – an exciting coach for the future.
Replacing Ten Hag with Farioli would be a bold step but perhaps he is one for the distant future if he continues to progress his managerial career.
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