Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag led the Red Devils to FA Cup glory on Saturday as his side battled to a 2-1 victory over Manchester City at Wembley. But the Dutchman has been tipped to lose his job in the Old Trafford dugout irrespective of the cup final result.
It’s been a tough season for Ten Hag, with United losing 19 matches in all competitions and finishing a lowly eighth in the Premier League table.
The ex-Ajax coach is under intense pressure at Old Trafford, despite securing Europa League football for his side. And Express Sport takes a closer look at the latest developments.
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FA Cup final result irrelevant
On Wednesday, Gianluca Di Marzio revealed that the Red Devils intended to part ways with Ten Hag at the end of the campaign.
And the claims were backed up on Friday by The Guardian as the publication explained United’s faith in the Dutchman had dwindled and they felt compelled to replace him whether they won the FA Cup final or not.
Ratcliffe silence speaks volumes
After the full-time whistle on Saturday, Sir Jim Ratcliffe was asked by a reporter while walking through the Wembley mix zone whether Ten Hag would be staying.
The 71-year-old initially stopped and turned his body towards the reporter but then ignored the question and carried on.
Ratcliffe also failed to acknowledge Ten Hag when he extolled the Red Devils for their efforts against City as he stated: “It is a glorious feeling to win the FA Cup final at Wembley.
“Manchester United were clearly not the favourites to win today but they played with total commitment and skill and overcame one of the great teams in football. We are all very proud of the players and the staff who work tirelessly to support them.”
Ten Hag can’t rule out exit
Ten Hag was directly asked about his future by Gary Lineker on the BBC during a post-match interview after the City game.
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And the 54-year-old was none the wiser as he responded: “I don’t know [if this will be my final game]. The only thing I am doing is preparing my team, developing my team, progressing my team and individual players because for me this is a project.”
McKenna and Pochettino links
The Athletic have insisted that United have already made contact with their former coach Kieran McKenna, who has guided Ipswich from League One to the Premier League following back-to-back promotions.
And it has also been reported that Mauricio Pochettino has set his sights on succeeding Ten Hag. But United club chiefs are said to be angered by claims they are already speaking to managerial candidates.