Red Devils boss' days numbered if poor form persists

More dissatisfaction at Manchester United, a state of being that is beginning to embrace permanence. Their mediocre start to the season continued with a Europa League draw with FC Twente, both Christian Eriksen and Erik ten Hag admitting the Dutch team had shown greater desire.

- john Brewin

Ten Hag was being polite about the club he formerly managed and played 234 matches for, but did himself few favours. As United performances under him go, Sept 25 was a classic of the genre, his team looking a collection of individuals, briefly flattering to deceive, then losing momentum as the opponents came back into the contest.

New signing Manuel Ugarte was signed to shore up the midfield but, while his debut was promising, Twente began to overrun central areas. Eriksen, who had scored a smart goal, then made the mistake from which the equaliser came.

The goodwill and stay of execution that ten Hag received after United won last season's FA Cup final is likely to expire soon if their form continues. His extended tenure is beginning to resemble a holding pattern while the club's corporate structure beds in.