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Football is supposed to be entertaining, a form of escapism and something to look forward to.

Manchester United have not been fun to watch and are stuck in limbo with Erik ten Hag following a decision to keep him when compelling evidence said that he needed to leave.

United's goalless draw against Aston Villa on Sunday was a difficult watch and Jonny Evans hinted that Ten Hag had set his players up simply not to lose during their visit to Birmingham.

That is understandable given the pressure on Ten Hag and drawing at Villa Park is a respectable result, but the manager of United devising that game plan clashes with the club's values probably highlights the current sorry predicament as the October international break begins.

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United suffered a record number of defeats in the Premier League last season, they conceded their most goals in a campaign and Ten Hag oversaw a total of 19 defeats across all competitions, which was the most at the club since 1977/78, so he was objectively fortunate to keep his job.

The unwanted records gradually stacked up and it's happening again, as United have made their worst start to a Premier League season after winning eight points in seven games.

The underlying statistics also make for grim reading. The data suggested United were a bottom-half side last season and United have scored just five league goals this term, with only Southampton having scored fewer.

To make matters worse, United scored three of their five league goals in their 3-0 win over Southampton and it wasn't a surprise they became the first team not to score against Villa.

A point away from home against Champions League opposition can't be criticised but where United find themselves isn't good enough. Their start to the season was predictable and Ten Hag cannot seem to find the sweet spot with his tactical set-up, despite sending £600million during his reign.

United were more compact and difficult to play through on Sunday - Evans was outstanding and deserved the man of the match award - but they offered very little going forward.

There is always a tactical trade-off to some extent but setting up to defend, to avoid defeat and maybe get something on the counter-attack goes against the principles of United.

Ten Hag would argue he did what was necessary to keep the wolves at bay for another few weeks, but nobody, surely including Sir Jim Ratcliffe who was at the game, watched the performance against Villa and thought this manager is going to take the club where it wants to be.

Change feels inevitable at this stage and there is no reason to delay the decision. Ineos will not want to admit they messed up their biggest decision since becoming United co-owners but taking ownership of the mistake and making a swift decision now is the best course of action.

Retaining Ten Hag beyond the international break will produce more poor performances and bad results. United fans are not enjoying watching the team, it has almost become a chore, and a manager's time is up when matchgoing supporters aren't hopeful when attending games.

It feels like United are in purgatory with Ten Hag and nothing will improve until he leaves. Although he has received the heaviest backing of any manager in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, United have backed the wrong horse and his race should have ended after the FA Cup triumph.

Ten Hag could have sailed into the sunset following a friendly handshake and departed with appreciation from fans, however, his tenure now seems destined to end in tears.

The likelihood is Ten Hag will survive another few weeks, despite Thomas Tuchel being under consideration, and will bite the bullet before or during the November international break.

Ineos' dithering will prolong the misery. United aren't fun to watch anymore.