The stage is set for a dramatic FA Cup final, but for Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, the outcome may hold little weight. Reports suggest the club has already decided to part ways with him, mirroring their controversial 2016 FA Cup win with Louis van Gaal.
This ruthless decision, potentially the biggest under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial ownership, stems from United’s dismal performance this season. Finishing eighth in the Premier League, their lowest since 1990, has eroded faith in Ten Hag’s leadership.
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While victory against Manchester City could secure a Europa League spot, United reportedly won’t base their decision on a single game. Ten Hag’s focus, after meeting with Ratcliffe’s advisors, will be shielding his players from the media storm surrounding his position.
What’s next?
United’s Managerial Search: With Ten Hag seemingly out, United faces the crucial task of finding a new manager. Who will take the helm of this historic but currently struggling club?Fan Reaction: How will United’s global fanbase react to this reported decision? Will they see it as a necessary change or a sign of the club’s instability?
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The FA Cup final might be a historic occasion, but for Manchester United, the bigger story lies beyond the 90 minutes. The outcome will likely be overshadowed by the looming managerial change, leaving fans and pundits alike to speculate about the club’s future.
“We want to compete for the league. We want to be playing Champions League football. We want to be in the cup finals. That is the standard. That is what I want. That is what you all deserve.”
Bruno Fernandes.
They are considering several high-profile candidates:
Thomas Tuchel
The former Chelsea and PSG manager is regarded as the frontrunner. Tuchel’s tactical acumen and experience with top European clubs make him a strong candidate. After leaving Bayern Munich, he has been on the radar of several big clubs.
Mauricio Pochettino
The ex-Tottenham and PSG boss has also been considered. Known for his ability to develop young talent and his attractive style of play, Pochettino could be a good fit for United’s long-term vision.
Kieran McKenna
The Ipswich Town manager, who previously worked with United’s youth and first teams, is a surprise contender. His familiarity with the club’s structure and potential make him an intriguing option.
Gareth Southgate
The England national team manager has been linked with the role due to his leadership qualities and ability to work under pressure. His international experience could bring a new perspective to United.
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Graham Potter
Formerly of Chelsea and Brighton, Potter’s innovative approach and success with mid-tier clubs have earned him recognition. His philosophy aligns with a long-term rebuilding project.
Thomas Frank
The Brentford manager has impressed with his ability to maximize resources and his tactical flexibility. Frank could offer a fresh and pragmatic approach to United’s current challenges.
Despite the speculation, some sources close to the club have dismissed these rumors as unfounded. They suggest that United’s management is still undecided and that the focus remains on supporting the current team through the FA Cup final.
Ten Hag has cut an embattled figure since the start of the season. There have been questions over the quality of his coaching, his tactics have been criticized, and many of his signings have not worked out. Antony, the £86m winger, has been a huge disappointment since arriving from Ajax two years ago, and Rasmus Højlund, the Denmark striker, has had a difficult season.
André Onana, the goalkeeper, has been erratic since joining Inter last season, and Casemiro, the Brazil midfielder, has struggled this season to keep up with the pace of English football. Injuries have meant that Mason Mount has barely featured since joining from Chelsea.
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Ten Hag can point to the unavailability of many important players as a key factor in his inability to make his tactics work. Luke Shaw has missed most of the season at left-back, and Harry Maguire has also been ruled out of the final. United have been forced to use Casemiro in central defense in recent weeks.
There have been many indignities this season. United finished bottom of their Champions League group, lost 3-0 at home to Bournemouth, and were thrashed 4-0 by Crystal Palace this month. The Cup, though, has brought some respite. United showed their quality with a 4-3 win over Liverpool in the quarter-finals, although they followed that by blowing a 3-0 lead against Coventry City before beating the Championship team on penalties.
Ten Hag has repeatedly fought his corner, even claiming United have been one of the most exciting teams in the league this season. He won the Carabao Cup and finished third last season. It seemed he was on the right track, even though his debut campaign also included a 7-0 defeat at Liverpool.
The task of reviving United since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 has been beyond all of the Scot’s successors. Ten Hag, who came in after Ralf Rangnick’s spell as interim, pointed to those lean times on Thursday. “So in the last 10 years, not so many trophies in this club, but we have an opportunity to win two trophies in two years,” he said.
Ten Hag was asked whether he had talks planned with the hierarchy. “No, we already did, and on Sunday I will go on holiday,” he said. “I think I deserve it.”
On Friday, Bruno Fernandes said he wanted to stay at United, provided the club’s ambitions match his. “I love to step out at Old Trafford more than anything in the world,” the captain wrote on The Players’ Tribune. “I don’t want to leave. This has always been my ultimate dream. I just want my expectations to fit with the expectations of the club. If you go talk to any fan, they will tell you the same thing.
“We want to compete for the league. We want to be playing Champions League football. We want to be in the cup finals. That is the standard. That is what I want. That is what you all deserve.”
