Manchester United are planning to dismiss Erik ten Hag irrespective of the result in tomorrow’s FA Cup final against Manchester City, according to The Guardian.
The newspaper claims a ‘well-placed source’ says Ten Hag will be sacked in the aftermath of the Wembley showpiece which comes at the end of a disappointing season for the club.
United’s only route into Europe is by beating City, and denying Pep Guardiola’s men successive domestic doubles, after they finished eighth in the Premier League – their lowest league finish since 1990.
Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino and Kieran McKenna are among the favourites to succeed Ten Hag with discussions with the trio’s representatives reported to have already taken place.
Ten Hag was appointed United boss in April 2022 with a start date of the end of the 2021-22 season.
He gets it 💯
A must-watch for every United fan: @AndreyOnana‘s stirring message to our supporters on the eve of the #FACupFinal 🗯️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 24, 2024
After a difficult start, the Dutchman won over the United fanbase with some strong performances that culminated in them winning the EFL Cup – their first major trophy for five years – by beating Newcastle United.
A third-placed finish in the Premier League also backed up the belief that Ten Hag was steadying the United ship after a decade of disappointment following the exit of Sir Alex Ferguson.
But this season has been riddled with issues for Ten Hag with a series of poor performances that resulted in their lowest league finish since 1990. In mitigation, he has not been helped by a crippling injury list, particularly in defence.
Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a minority shareholding in the club came with control of on-field matters, increasing the pressure on the manager.
And it seems even a win against City won’t be enough to save Ten Hag.
