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MANCHESTER UNITED players fear Erik ten Hag has now resigned himself to the sack at the end of the season.
A number of Red Devils stars have noticed a change in the demeanour of the Dutch boss in recent weeks.
That came after new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe refused to deliver a public vote of confidence.
United are sixth ahead of Saturday’s Prem trip to Bournemouth, 11 points off fourth spot after a run of only one win in six games.
They collapsed late on in the 1-1 draw at Brentford and 4-3 loss at Chelsea.
And players have spotted Ten Hag’s change of mood, suggesting he knows the axe will fall.
He insisted last Friday he “has no doubts” he will be in charge next term.
The Dutchman said: “I am sure we are in the right direction and will get where we want to be.”
Graham Potter is in line to take over after meeting with billionaire Sir Jim.
Last week, the former Chelsea boss snubbed an offer to manage Ajax.
Meanwhile, United legend Paul Scholes has slammed players, including defender Aaron Wan- Bissaka, for training with their hoods on Tuesday.
He posted on Instagram: “Don’t mind hats and gloves but no way can you train properly with hood up . . . standards begin on the training pitch.”
Meanwhile, Erik Ten Hag has been dealt a major blow with his biggest ally at Old Trafford, football director John Murtough, stepping down.
Murtough, who has been at Manchester United for 11 years, is the latest victim of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s sweeping changes behind the scenes.
Former chief executive Richard Arnold announced he was stepping down in November of last year after overseeing the incredible money making commercial side of the club.
It was Murtough and Arnold who went to Amsterdam to interview Ten Hag when they were looking for a successor to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The pair were so impressed by the then Ajax manager’s knowledge of United and attention to detail that they were convinced he was the right man.
They have supported him ever since with Murtough constantly talking up the manager’s strengths and a need for patience during the Dutchman’s difficult second season in charge.
Now Ten Hag will feel even more isolated without any public statement of support from new part owner Ratcliffe who has control of 27.7 per cent of the club.
The owning Glazer family has given the Ineos chief power over the football side of the Red Devils and he has already made major changes.
Omar Berrada was poached from Manchester City to become the new CEO.
Jason Wilcox has quit Southampton to become technical director, while Dan Ashworth is leaving Newcastle effectively to take on Murtough’s role – Sun.
Online Reporter