Erik ten Hag's next five games to save his job after latest Man Utd setback

Erik ten Hag stressed the importance of taking the positives but Manchester United's latest failure to hold on to a lead, away to Fenerbahce, has merely maintained the speculation around the Dutchman’s future as head coach.

While Ten Hag has stressed he retains the full support of the club’s decision-makers, a run of consistent wins between now and the next international break appears a must.

A host of former United players, friends of Ten Hag and assorted pundits have pointed to a Ten Hag facing a race against time to turn things around for a team unable to score enough while remaining defensively skittish.

United play five games before the next break with all but the next one at home and Ten Hag will be expected to produce four wins.

After the long flight home from Istanbul overnight, United will travel to the East End of London to face a Hammers team still smarting after being thrashed by neighbours Tottenham last weekend.

Julen Lopetegui is another Premier League boss facing heavy criticism and a response from the hosts is expected.

Expect changes from both teams but United’s second string must still be considered big favourites against Steve Cooper’s Foxes, who do not possess the same depth of talent but will also be more firmly focused on securing their league status.

Enzo Maresca’s team are looking good, playing with a coherent idea and a solid bet for a fourth-place finish.

That places even more pressure on United to produce a result against a major rival for the final Champions League spot - presuming Arsenal, Liverpool and reigning champions Manchester City pull clear of the pack once again.

Chelsea may also be in the Thursday-Sunday cycle but with a deeper squad than anyone, their rotation has so far worked very well.

Anything less than a win against the Greek club would leave United’s hopes of finishing in the top of eight of the Europa League in tatters.

A play-off spot would still be attainable without winning but being unable to break the habit of draws in this competition could be the end game for Ten Hag.

Their final game before the recess and another in which they should be major favourites to win.

A series of good performances and results leading up to this might see Ten Hag riding high again. Equally the opposite could make it an unbelievably tense situation for the head coach entering a break where, traditionally, top-flight owners with itchy fingers pull the trigger.