Erik ten Hag implored his senior squad to perform better against Aston Villa on Saturday, as United seeks to snap a four-game losing streak. United’s predicament worsened when they fell eight points out of the top four and into eighth place on Saturday at West Ham following a 2-0 loss. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchаse of 25% of the club on Christmas Eve has placed Ten Hag’s future in the balance.

Although United has been in a state of transition, there has been no established framework to dismiss the manager. Following a dismal first half of the season, Ratcliffe will determine whether to maintain confidence in the Dutchman. United were eliminated from Europe as a result of finishing last in their Champions League group. Before reaching any conclusions, including the one concerning Ten Hag, the sporting director of Ratcliffe’s company, Ineos, Sir Dave Brailsford, will consult with crucial United personnel.

Ratcliffe stated that the objective was “to return Manchester United to its rightful place at the pinnacle of English, European, and global football” upon the completion of his contract.

United’s lack of ingenuity at the London Stadium was encapsulated in the 57th-minute substitution of Rasmus Hjlund, which summed up their wоes in the final third. The 20-year-old striker has gone without a league goal since joining from Atalanta for £72 million last summer.

Ten Hag defended Hjlund after West Ham inflicted United’s thirteenth loss of the season. The manager approached the youth without apprehension. Due to defensive ailments, he gave Willy Kambwala, a 19-year-old center-back, his debut against West Ham. However, incompetence may pose a problem. Kobbie Mainoo, a midfielder of 18 years of age, was responsible for the second goal scored by West Ham.

It means that Ten Hag will require more seasoned players to demonstrate decisiveness when high-flying Villa visits Old Trafford on Boxing Day. “They must step up in every game,” he stated. “Two or three times at this point, I have reiterated that the athletes must assume responsibility. Both myself and the competitors are required to assume responsibility.

“It is everyone, however. Perhaps one anticipates even greater moments from the elders when youthful athletes are present. However, you are mature enough if you are competent. We must accomplish it collectively. It is inconsequential what age it is. We must eliminate a team that is required to win the contest.

“The attitude does not disappoint me either.” However, we are well aware that victory is the norm at Manchester United and that we must achieve it collectively. Thus, I accept the term “responsibility.” “We must approach this as a group, and each member must contribute one hundred percent to this responsibility that we hold.”