Erik ten Hag's tenure at Manchester United is ending in tears - but someone else is at fault

Erik ten Hag will be aware the walls are rapidly closing in at Manchester United.

Ten Hag was fortunate to keep his job in the summer after lifting the FA Cup but good fortune will not protect him from the sack if United lose against Aston Villa on Sunday.

United's chaotic 3-3 draw against FC Porto in midweek highlighted again why his time should be up. Ten Hag has been unable to solve his team's tendency to surrender a comfortable two-goal lead and his decision to substitute Marcus Rashford due to 'rotation' was jaw-dropping.

Rashford was tremendous in the first half, scoring the opening goal, and was replaced at the break. His removal confirmed Ten Hag has lost the plot and he is clearly now a manager on the edge.

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United have won just three games in all competitions this season, beating Fulham, Southampton and Barnsley. They will have suffered four defeats from seven league fixtures if they lose against Villa this weekend and defeat in Birmingham could be the straw that breaks the camel's back.

Even the few fans remaining who are sticking by Ten Hag were surprised when he said Rashford was substituted due to rotation. It felt like a decision from a manager who was asking to be sacked and it's a genuine shame his tenure is threatening to end on a real sour note.

If United are humbled at Villa Park, the knives will be out for Ten Hag and it didn't have to end in that manner. The Dutchman could have left after the positive of lifting the FA Cup and he would have been remembered in the years to come as a manager who won two trophies.

That day at Wembley at the end of May was special and