Man Utd news: Stats on Erik ten Hag's record since appointment

Before the international break, many Manchester United fans may have wondered if they would still be seeing Erik ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout this weekend.

But, despite the intense pressure on his job two weeks ago and a monthly board meeting that took place among the United hierarchy during the break, the Dutchman returns to take charge of the side against Brentford on Saturday.

So, why the heavy speculation?

Ten Hag was already under scrutiny towards the end of last season, and it was understood the board looked at other potential managerial options as part of a post-season review.

Shortly after FA Cup success against neighbours Manchester City at Wembley, the club triggered an extension in his contract to keep him at Old Trafford until 2026.

Despite further investment in the squad over the summer, Ten Hag and his side have endured a less than impressive start to the new campaign.

They are 14th in the Premier League, with two wins and just five goals scored in their first seven games. They have also let leads slip in both of their Europa League games to begin the competition with two draws.

It would seem the United boss is now entering a crucial period before the next international break which could potentially decide his future.

But is the criticism and scrutiny around Ten Hag's position fair?

In the 11 years since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, the club has watched rivals reach the heights they once hit, while managers trying to bring success back to the club have come and gone.

Ten Hag arrived from Ajax following the end of Ralf Rangnick's interim spell in the summer of 2022.

Since he took charge, only Manchester City , Arsenal and Liverpool have taken more points than United's 143. They have amassed the same number of points as Newcastle United and Aston Villa , but with a lower goal difference (+11).

In fact, they have only been the ninth-best team for both goal difference and expected goal difference (xG).

From a points-per-game perspective, in comparison to other post-Ferguson managers, Ten Hag sits fourth with 1.72 - behind Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Louis van Gaal.