The Influential Role of a Manchester United Star in Erik ten Hag's Future - Could their Playing Days Together be Over?

Manchester United's start to the 2024/25 season has been disappointing under Ten Hag, as the team currently sits in 12th place in the Premier League with only seven points from six games.

That has piled the pressure on the Dutch manager, whose fate now relies on key players in his team to bail him out. One highly influential individual might have already played his last game under Ten Hag, though, following recent events at the club.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes holds key to Ten Hag's future

According to Football Insider, Bruno Fernandes' influence at Old Trafford will have a big say on whether Ten Hag continues as the Manchester United manager past the upcoming international break.

The report suggests that Marcus Rashford is also another prominent figure officials will be consulting with in the coming days, but while Fernandes could have a huge bearing on the Dutchman's future, it certainly won't be on the pitch.

That's because the Portguese midfielder is suspended for the next three Premier League matches, meaning he could have played his last game in the English top flight for Ten Hag. The straight red card he picked up against Tottenham in Manchester United's 3-0 defeat will see him miss trips to Aston Villa and West Ham, as well a home match against Brentford before the end of October.

With the next international break coming the week commencing October 7, Ten Hag could therefore have left Old Trafford before Fernandes' return. The 28-year-old will likely still play in their Europa League fixtures against Porto and Fenerbahce in that time, however, as they look to pick up some much-needed points after an opening game draw with FC Twente.

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Fernandes' form under Ten Hag in recent time has been concerning, too. While he's picked up three assists so far this term, two of those came in their 7-0 mauling of League One side Barnsley in the League Cup. Indeed, the 28-year-old hasn't scored for Manchester United since April last season, when they beat Sheffield United 4-2 at Old Trafford.

Rashford, meanwhile, was controversially omitted from the first XI selected to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last week. He did return against Spurs, though that 3-0 defeat ultimately proved a disaster for those connected to the Red Devils.