Manchester United is reportedly parting ways with manager Erik ten Hag, with the decision standing irrespective of the result in the upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City.
The showdown at Wembley was seen as United’s final shot at a trophy this season and possibly ten Hag’s last chance to secure the backing of the club’s leadership.
- Rasmus Højlund responds to report claiming Man Utd players “don’t pass” to him
- Ferdinand predicts scoreline of Man Utd’s FA Cup final vs Man City
- Pochettino has only liked one Chelsea star’s Instagram post thanking him after exit
Despite making it to the FA Cup final to compete against their city rivals and current Premier League champions, Man City, United’s performance has been disappointing in ten Hag’s sophomore year, culminating in an eighth-place finish in the league.
This season marks the poorest league outcome for Manchester United in 34 years. Additionally, under ten Hag’s leadership, the team has suffered more defeats than any other United squad in the Premier League era and ended with a negative goal difference for the first time since 1990.
Even though there’s a lack of clear candidates to take over—ten Hag having made a name for himself at Ajax before his Old Trafford tenure—his future with United was considered uncertain leading up to the FA Cup final.
However, reports from The Guardian indicate that ten Hag will be dismissed even if Manchester United secures a victory in the FA Cup, signaling that the club’s new owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, will be selecting a new manager for the summer.
The club has shortlisted several potential successors, including former Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel, Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, and ex-Chelsea managers Mauricio Pochettino and Graham Potter.
After a promising debut season with United, finishing third in the Premier League and capturing the Carabao Cup, the team has not progressed this term, which seems likely to lead to the 54-year-old manager’s departure.
When asked about the intense speculation over his future at his pre-FA Cup final press conference, Ten Hag said: ‘I have nothing to say.
‘I am just focusing on the job I have to do and that is first to win the game on Saturday and then keep going in the project. Every game I want to win and that is it.’
Pressed on whether he was planning for next campaign, Ten Hag added: ‘Yes of course but my focus is on Saturday. I only think about this game.
‘But every season we review and we will see where we are in the project and what we have to change. There are some very good things, with players coming up and developing.’
In the midst of ongoing rumors and doubts concerning Ten Hag’s future, Manchester United is gearing up to claim their 13th FA Cup title at Wembley this Saturday. Only Arsenal has a higher tally, with 14 victories.
However, the Red Devils face the daunting task of overcoming Manchester City, who recently secured their fourth consecutive Premier League title—a new record—and are now aiming for a second successive domestic double, an achievement yet to be matched.
Pep Guardiola’s team has triumphed over United in both league encounters this season and fondly recalls last year’s FA Cup final, where they emerged victorious over their city rivals, contributing to their remarkable treble win.
With six wins in their last seven meetings against Manchester United, City is poised to capitalize on the current turmoil at Old Trafford and aim to add another trophy to their collection this Saturday.
