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The longer Manchester United remain silent the likelier it could be that Erik ten Hag will be in charge for the Premier League clash with Brentford at Old Trafford.

Senior United officials held an executive committee meeting at Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Knightsbridge offices on Tuesday and Ten Hag's future was discussed. As far as Ten Hag is concerned, no news is likely to mean good news.

The Dutchman is under mounting pressure at Old Trafford after Sunday's goalless draw with Aston Villa marked a fifth game without a win. It also marked a third successive league game without a goal.

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As a result, many supporters now believe Ten Hag is on borrowed time and that he should be ordered to clear his desk. However, Ineos' indecisiveness during the summer could mean that he is granted a little bit more time to try and turn United's fortunes around.

If that proves to be the case, the period between the October and November international breaks could be his last chance. The upcoming visit of Brentford is the first of seven games, spanning three different competitions, United have before the campaign is paused for a third time in mid-November.

Of the seven fixtures that are on the horizon, five of them are at Old Trafford (three in the Premier League, one in the Europa League and one in the Carabao Cup) and just two are on the road. It should be considered a golden opportunity for Ten Hag to try and wrestle back some authority.

However, just as United have demonstrated already this season, their form in M16 is by no means something to get excited about. They have played five games on their own patch, winning two, losing two and drawing one. One of those two aforementioned victories was against League One side Barnsley.

United lost 3-0 to both Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, and struggled to break down a resolute FC Twente side, being restricted to a 1-1 draw. Their home form has fallen off a cliff over the past 12 months in comparison to the standard that was set in 2022/23.

And it was hardly surprising when former United captain Roy Keane raised concerns about the club's Old Trafford form earlier this year.

Speaking in January, Keane said: "They are stuck between a rock and a hard place because again, you are Manchester United, the onus is even when you're at home, flex your muscles, and more importantly put fear in their opponents' mindsets, but teams are playing Manchester United now and there is no fear anymore. I think teams are going to Old Trafford now and enjoying it."

If Ten Hag is granted a stay of execution, he will have to deliver a solid run of results in the upcoming period, particularly on home soil. United need to assert themselves after being trampled on by Liverpool and Spurs.

Of their next five home games, Chelsea are likely to pose the biggest danger. If there is such a thing as a favourable fixture list, this is it - and Ten Hag needs to capitalise on it. There is little room for error.