Man United face 'non-negotiable' transfer deal as Erik ten Hag sack process defined

It's set to be a huge weekend for Manchester United and Erik ten Hag. After seeing their lead against FC Porto escape them, United are winless in four games and Ten Hag is under pressure.

Sunday's game with Aston Villa could be the Dutchman's final game in charge of the club with many expecting the hierarchy to make a change in the dug-out if United lose.

However, as he has done over the past few years, Ten Hag could produce a much-needed performance and victory to relieve the pressure. Whatever happens, it's going to be an eventful weekend at Old Trafford.

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Here, MEN Sport brings you the latest Manchester United news and analysis.

Garnacho battle

Alejandro Garnacho is proving to be one of United's most consistent players but it's reported that United are preparing for a battle to keep hold of the forward.

According to The Sun, Barcelona and Juventus are keeping tabs on the 20-year-old's situation with a view to bid next summer. He signed a five-year contract in April but United are said to want £50million for him.

MEN Sport says: "Amid the ongoing speculation around the manager at United, the hierarchy at the club will keen to make sure the good work on the pitch doesn't go to waste.

"Ten Hag's inclusion of Garnacho in the first team has meant United now have one of the most promising wingers in European football. He could quite literally be the future of the club. Letting him go should be completely out of the question.

"Whoever is in the dug-out, Garnacho's future should be a non-negotiable. His talent is unique and United must do everything to keep him."

Ten Hag decision hint

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has admitted that he won't be involved in the decision to cut ties with Ten Hag, should the club decide the Dutchman is no longer the man to take them forward.

Ahead of tomorrow's game with Aston Villa, pressure is heavy on Ten Hag's head after Sporting director Dan Ashworth, CEO Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox travelled to Portugal to watch the 3-3 draw with FC Porto.

Ratcliffe has been in Barcelona this week to watch Ineos Britannia's boat race and he was stopped by the BBC, who asked him about Ten Hag's future and whether he could be sacked.

"I don’t want to answer that question. I like Erik," said Ratcliffe. "I think he’s a very good coach but at the end of the day it’s not my call, it’s the management team that’s running Manchester United that have to decide how we best run the team in many different respects.

"But that team that’s running United has only been together since June or July. They weren’t there in January, February, March or April – Omar [Berrada] and Dan Ashworth, they only arrived in July.

"They’ve only been there, you can count it in weeks almost. They’ve not been there a long time so they need to take stock and make some sensible decisions. Our objective is very clear.

"We want to take Manchester United back to where it should be, and it’s not there yet, obviously. That’s very clear.”

MEN Sport says: "These quotes from Ratcliffe are slightly odd. Of course, the decision would never have been just down to him but for the co-owner to come out and say he wouldn't be involved in the process is surprising.

"It may, of course, just be him trying to play the question to take the spotlight off. Who knows? All eyes will be on Sunday to see how Ten Hag navigates through it.."