Manchester United’s Erik Ten Hag set for sack regardless of result in FA Cup final clash with Manchester City – report
- Reports suggest Ineos have already taken decision to dismiss former Ajax manager
- Red Devils finished the campaign in eighth – their worst position in the Premier League era
.png?itok=arIb17P0)
There are reports in the UK press that the Manchester United hierarchy has already taken the decision to sack manager Erik Ten Hag, regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s FA Cup final.
The Red Devils face Manchester City at Wembley in a repeat of last season’s final, which Pep Guardiola’s side won 2-1.
United ended their Premier League campaign in eighth place – their worst league finish since the 1990-91 season, sparking doubts over the future of Ten Hag.
UK news outlet The Guardian reported on Friday that a decision to sack the Dutch manager had already been made even if they beat City at Wembley.
If Ten Hag’s two-year reign does end following the City clash, his exit would provoke memories of fellow Dutchman Louis van Gaal’s Old Trafford departure.
Van Gaal was fired just two days after United’s FA Cup final victory against Crystal Palace in 2016.
Despite the difficulties of this campaign, last season Ten Hag led United to a surprise top-three finish in the Premier League, to qualify for the Uefa Champions League, and victory in the Carabao Cup.
However, United finished bottom of their group in Europe and set a record for goals conceded by an English side.
Ten Hag has been the subject of intense speculation over his future, months after British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe took a minority stake in the club and assumed control of football operations.
United have insisted that no decision has been made on the Dutchman’s future and said a full review will take place after Saturday’s showpiece against the Premier League champions, who are chasing their second straight league and FA Cup double.
The club have been linked with a list of names including Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, England’s Gareth Southgate and Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, who has previously coached at Old Trafford.
Speaking before the latest report emerged, United goalkeeper Andre Onana said the final was “extra motivation” after an injury-hit season in which many of their star players flopped.
“We lost twice against City already (in the Premier League),” he said. “We know how good they are. Best team at the moment – all of our respect – but we go there to win. A final.”
Onana, who also played under Ten Hag at Ajax, stood up for his manager, describing him as a “good guy, a good coach”.
“Tactically he’s very good and he showed it last season,” the Cameroon international said. “I was not here last season and they got top four.
“This season a lot of things happened. I’m not here to back him. He is big enough to back himself. But he is a really good guy, he is a positive coach and tactically he’s good.
“If he had all his squad it would probably be different. This season is difficult for him, for us, for the club, for the fans.”
Saturday’s match offers United a shot at silverware against their bitter rivals, and a route to Europa League qualification.
“It would make things look better,” said Onana, who has had an inconsistent first season at Old Trafford.
“It’s important to end well, and winning this game would mean we’re in the Europa League.”
