Ruud van Nistelrooy Man United blueprint already clear after Arsenal appointment

Manchester United are entering another weekend of Premier League action with yet more questions over Erik ten Hag's future.

The Manchester Evening News understands that United's hierarchy currently have no plans to replace the Dutchman. However, with a tough trip to Aston Villa on Sunday, Ten Hag will be aware that his position at Old Trafford is under ever-growing threat if wins don't materialise soon.

To compound matters for the former Ajax boss, an international break is to come next week in what is often seen as a nervous time for under-pressure managers. We've been here before with Ten Hag but as a top four spot looks increasingly under threat so early in the season, this does feel different.

READ MORE: Jamie Carragher shares Ineos theory amid Man United Erik ten Hag sack pressure

READ MORE: Why Diogo Dalot is playing at left back for Manchester United and not Noussair Mazraoui

One other factor which may be adding to the ever-growing pressure on United's under-fire manager is his assistant, Ruud van Nistelrooy. The former United striker arrived this summer as part of a backroom shake-up.

And it won't be lost on Ten Hag that Van Nistelrooy has a good reputation as a manager from his time at PSV Eindhoven. His playing career at Old Trafford will also create further speculation with former players going back to their old clubs a popular trend in recent times.

One example which has worked reasonably well so far is Mikel Arteta at Arsenal. The Spaniard arrived at a broken club that had spent several years out of the Champions League.

Arteta has since turned the Gunners into not only a top-four regular but Manchester City's closest title challengers. It wasn't all plane sailing with several eighth-placed finishes