Manchester United is on the brink of concluding their deliberations regarding Erik ten Hag’s tenure, with a definitive verdict expected by week’s end.
The online buzz intensified following the removal of a social media entry by Alejandro Garnacho’s sibling, fueling speculation about the Dutch manager’s potential exit. Fans are poised to learn the outcome imminently.
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In the wake of United’s FA Cup victory against Manchester City, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS group have taken a moment to reflect before determining Ten Hag’s fate.
Despite Ten Hag’s instrumental role in the team’s stellar FA Cup display, the shadow of United’s eighth-place league finish — a 34-year low — looms large.
As club executives weigh his future, Ten Hag has taken a holiday, with the outcome of his Old Trafford career hanging in the balance. Reports suggest that Sir Jim’s end-of-season assessment is due to conclude within the week.
By Friday, Manchester United fans are expected to gain clear insight into the managerial situation. The response of Garnacho’s brother, Roberto, to a fan query has been interpreted by many as an ominous sign regarding Ten Hag’s prospects.
The fan wrote: “Tomorrow might be the worst day of my life. Currently looking into the stars, tears building up in my eyes. I can’t fathom Ten Hag going.” To which Roberto Garnacho responded: “Same, and I’m not even joking. Let’s pray for us.”
Ten Hag stood defiant after his FA Cup win when confronted with the possibility of his sacking. “The team is progressing, and we are winning trophies,” he said.
“Two trophies in two years is not bad. Three finals is not bad, but we have to keep going. I’m not satisfied with it.
“We have to do better and if they don’t want me anymore, then I’ll go anywhere else to win trophies because that is what I have done my whole career. I don’t know if they’ve [spoken to other managers]. I can’t answer this question. Maybe you have sources, I don’t have them.”
United have reportedly been sounding out managerial options while Ten Hag decompresses from a tough 2023/24. Former Chelsea managers Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel are believed to have made the shortlist.
Brentford’s Thomas Frank is also rated highly at the club, and Gareth Southgate has received glowing reviews in Sir Jim’s fact-finding missions, although the England boss would not be available to start work until after Euro 2024.
