Odds of Erik ten Hag being sacked rise amid dissatisfaction at Liverpool

Liverpool could keep hold of the Dutchman due to changes in qualifying criteria for European competitions.

The Reds suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Italian side Atalanta on Thursday night, leaving them with a daunting task ahead of their second game in Bergamo next week.

Part of the revamp means there are two extra seats up for grabs, one of which has already been claimed by Italy. England and Germany will compete for the final spot.

Liverpool's defeat and West Ham's 2-0 defeat at Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen dented the Premier League side's chances of securing an extra European spot.

If Liverpool can overturn a three-goal deficit, England's fifth-placed side could qualify for the Champions League.

Aston Villa are currently competing for the European Championship trophy in the UEFA Conference League, with Emery's team leading Lille 2-1 in the first leg.

Arsenal and Manchester City are also likely to help Ten Hag retain his Old Trafford spot. The two teams played against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid last week and basically entered the Champions League quarter-finals.

Erik ten Hag's future has been in contention for some time, but with the appointment of INEOS CEO Jim Ratcliffe The debate intensified. Ratcliffe is thought to be an admirer of Gareth Southgate but may stick with the Dutchman depending on the success of this season.

United currently look unlikely to finish fourth, 11 points behind Tottenham and Aston Villa with seven games remaining in the Premier League. They also had a chance to lift the trophy and secured a favorable draw with second-tier side Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-finals. The Red Devils will take on the Central team on Sunday, April 21st. If Manchester City or Chelsea successfully negotiate the Coventry game, they will await Manchester United in the final.

The Manchester United travel to Bournemouth on Saturday night without nine first-team players. United's defense was particularly weak, with Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof all having nurse knocks.

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