Sir Jim Ratcliffe will make a rare visit to the UK this weekend to watch Manchester United‘s Premier League clash against Aston Villa from the director’s box, according to reports. The Ineos boss’ presence will serve as a reminder of the potential magnitude of the trip to Villa Park for Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman is on the brink. Any United manager would be after six wins in 19 league games and one from nine European outings.

Ten Hag faces the latest tonight (Thursday) when his side face Porto at the Estadio do Dragao, with both searching for their first victory of the Europa League campaign.

An underwhelming 1-1 draw at home to FC Twente in last week’s curtain-raiser ramped up pressure enough. Sunday’s calamity against Tottenham poured fuel onto the intensifying fire.

Another bad result at Porto wouldn’t improve the mood. Defeat at Villa – fresh off a Champions League triumph over Bayern Munich – could make Ten Hag’s position untenable.

Ratcliffe’s reported plan to watch United in action at Villa Park this weekend is possibly indicative of that reality.

The 71-year-old will ultimately be the one with the power to make the call alongside the Glazers under the recommendation of chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth.

But Ten Hag insists he remains in contact with Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox – both regular presences at Carrington – on a daily basis.

“It’s not necessary to give me confidence,” the United boss explained ahead of this evening’s meeting with Porto.

“We talk every day about how we can improve this club, this team, improve the processes, the procedures, the connections. That is what we talk about.”

According to The Athletic, communication between Ten Hag and club figures has been normal across a turbulent couple of weeks.

However, there is an understanding that results will dictate decisions, and the October international break has previously represented a common period for clubs to enact managerial change.

That said, the report adds that United’s current stance remains unchanged. Ineos are taking a long-term view of their project at Old Trafford, regardless of what unfolds this week.

Ratcliffe won’t be planning a visit from his Monaco abode with the primary intention of sacking Ten Hag.

But he will be in attendance if crunch talks have to take place after the trip to the West Midlands.

Two positive results in dangerous fixtures could flip the narrative and see United come out of the upcoming break with momentum. That’s football for you.