According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United sporting director Ashworth and technical director Wilcox worked late into the night at their Carrington base before Thursday's UEFA Cup match against Porto to carry out urgent planning and discussions for the team's future development. Meanwhile, United's senior management also flew to Portugal on Wednesday for a far-reaching meeting with Porto's senior management over dinner.
The series of moves comes against a backdrop of uncertainty over the future of United boss Jens Ten Hagar. Since Sir Ratcliffe became co-owner of United in February this year, he has put in place a new management structure within the club aimed at improving the team's competitive performance and operational efficiency. However, United's recent lackluster record has put Ten Hagar's managerial position under scrutiny.
International matchdays are often a sensitive time for changes in managerial positions, and United failed to get the desired result in this round of the UEFA Cup with a 3-3 draw against Porto. If United fail to beat Aston Villa in the Premier League this weekend, then Ten Hagar could be at risk of being sacked.
This overtime work and meeting with Porto may be preparing for the possible departure of Ten Hagar, and may also be exploring the team's future tactical and personnel adjustment program. At such a critical moment, United needs to clarify the future direction as soon as possible to ensure the team can move forward in a stable manner.
