Pressure building on Erik ten Hag ahead of crunch week for under-performing Manchester United | OneFootball

Red Devils host Tottenham at the start of a crucial three games for their manager

It feels like a non-stop dejà vu at this point, but it is a huge week for Manchester United and their beleaguered manager Erik ten Hag, with three games that could decide his fate.

As has been the case for much of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson years, the mood at Old Trafford goes up and down on a regular basis, and right now the seesaw is at the wrong end for the Dutchman.

Two draws against Crystal Palace and FC Twente (both games that should have been won) have increased the noise and made the coming games even more vital.

First up on Sunday is a clash with Spurs, who sits level on points with United but slightly ahead in midtable via, unsurprisingly, goal difference.

Despite a desire to become a more possession-based side, or at least a more controlled one, United still thrive on chaos and the counter when it comes to attacking, particularly against so-called “bigger teams.”

Spurs will come to play, and push their defenders high, which could enable Bruno Fernandes (if he finds his form) to pick out the likes of Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo, and Alejandro Garnacho with balls over the top and in behind.

Elsewhere, like everyone playing Spurs these days, most notably Arsenal, set pieces are an area where United can find joy. They may finally have found an aerial threat in Matthijs de Ligt and would be wise to use him against Guglielmo Vicario and co. as often as possible.

In what feels rather poetic, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first home game as part-owner of United came against Spurs last January, while Erik ten Hag’s end game may start against the same side this Sunday. Unless, that is, he can conjure up another rescue act this week. The pressure is on, again.