Erik ten Hag needs to convince Sir Jim Ratcliffe he is still right for Manchester United

Manchester United are clearly in need of change; it is just difficult to gauge how much.

Recent results have cast fresh doubt on Erik ten Hag’s suitability for the manager role, though it is also clear that the problems run far deeper than him. For all his failings, it is hard to imagine any manager finding success while the sporting structure of the club remains the way that it is. You only have to look at the variety of previous permanent managers to see that there is no logical solution left.

United are in a position where they can ruthlessly rip things apart again if they really have to. Previous signings can be written off, tactics can be changed, and United can play the lottery again, hoping that the next appointment might finally make things work.

READ MORE: United saved their worst insult until last after Newcastle defeat

PLAYER RATINGS: Martial and Rashford poor

It could well happen, though the chances are slim. A high-risk, high-reward approach is always most likely to end in failure and the best bet remains in solving those deep-rooted problems that continue to plague the club.

The good news is that they should be just around the corner. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to make an imminent investment in the club and with that comes a mooted review of the sporting structure.

Richard Arnold is set to leave by the end of the year, while United are also planning to replace John Murtough as football director as part of sweeping changes to the sporting structure.

It is understood that more changes are planned behind the scenes at United, with the Ineos delegation unimpressed by other departmental strategies.

It finally feels like United could be making the overdue changes required to get back to where they need to be,