It's no longer as simple as winning a couple of games. Not like Man Utd do that too often nowadays anyway.

But as manager Erik ten Hag seems more likely to get the axe come the next international break in a week, so what can he do to remain as coach of MUFC? Is there anything he can do to keep his job? Or is it too late?

Some would say that after the appalling performance against Spurs in which United's players head's looked like it was anywhere but on the football field, even if ten Hag manages to pull off two away wins at Porto and Villa, it will just prolong the inevitable.

I think I'm more in agreement with that rather than should he come away with two performances that showcase improvement and he keeps his job after Villa, at some point, we'll be back here after his side doesn't show up and get their arses handed to them, again.

But I suppose we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. If we come to it.

For now, Erik ten Hag's focus is Porto and the Stadium of the Dragon - isn't that an awesome name? One worthy enough of being the home of the Targaryens!

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United are in desperate need of victory in the Europa League having dropped 2 points on the opening day at home to ten Hag's former side FC Twente in a very disappointing and drab performance.

The Dragon Stadium can be one of the more hostile atmospheres in football especially when they can smell blood. MUFC are obviously not in the best of places right now with Porto looking to take full advantage of that. The Portuguese club lost their first game of the competition and will be looking to make amends in game 2.

That game will certainly not be easy.

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What makes it even harder for ten Hag and United is that not only are both the next two games on the road, the Red Devils will play on Thursday night in Portugal followed by a trip to Villa Park on Sunday afternoon. A very quick turnaround that can have it's disadvantages.

As we know with Emery's team, they are one hell of a side who play some really top football. They welcome Bayern Munich on Wednesday night in the Champions League.

Incredible job done by Emery 👏.

While United did do the double over Villa last season, a year can make a difference even if last season was also not great from United's point of view.

Considering the low position we find ourselves in - and I don't necessarily mean in the league or EL although yes, we are low in the table for both of those - I can't see where we and ten Hag get what's required for the Dutchman to remain at the club beyond these next two games.

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What I think he needs to stand a chance of staying on as manager is to win both games 10-0. I think that'll do it.

An overexaggeration of course but something like that against Porto and Villa could perhaps turn heads that maybe ten Hag isn't that bad.

That score line obviously won't happen but he does need two convincing wins. He cannot be having two scrappy, dodgy, lucky wins, if he wins at all. I think victory is a must in both for several reasons and if he doesn't achieve that, he is gone in my opinion.

But they also need to be two really powerful and strong performances. He needs his side to play exactly like they did at Palace. That was the best display of the season and we should've won that comfortably. It was also at a tough ground against a good side.

That may give him a fighting chance.

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What I think will happen?

I've always felt that with ten Hag, whenever he's had his back against the wall, he's managed to pull something out the hat although admittedly, I don't think his back has ever been this much against the wall in all his time at the club.

I feel that we will beat Porto which will raise our hopes but at Villa Park, all hope will be lost as we will not be good enough to beat them whether it's because they're better, Thursday-Sunday fatigue or us simply not turning up, which is something we know how to do too well.

That will be the end of Erik ten Hag.

According to reports, he will remain as manager for at least the next week but what do you think will happen at Porto and Villa? Do you think Erik ten Hag will be here next week?

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Background Image: Erik ten Hag and Amad after Man Utd's 1-1 draw against FC Twente | Creator: Michael Regan | Credit: Getty Images Copyright: 2024 Getty Images via Man Utd News