Manchester United will dismiss their beleaguered manager Erik ten Hag after the FA Cup final against Manchester City, regardless of the outcome at Wembley, according to a report on Friday. The Guardian reported that the Premier League club has decided to make this drastic move after a disappointing season.
If Ten Hag’s two-year tenure does end following the match against City, it would evoke memories of fellow Dutchman Louis van Gaal’s departure from Old Trafford. Van Gaal was sacked just two days after United’s FA Cup final victory against Crystal Palace in 2016.
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This season, United finished an embarrassing eighth in the Premier League — their lowest finish since 1990 — and were eliminated from the Champions League in the group stage.
Speculation about Ten Hag’s future has been rampant, especially after British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe took a minority stake in the club and assumed control of football operations.
United insist no decision has been made regarding the Dutchman’s future, stating that a comprehensive review will take place after Saturday’s final against the Premier League champions, who are aiming for their second consecutive league and FA Cup double.
The club has been linked with several potential replacements, including Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, England’s Gareth Southgate, and Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, who has previously coached at Old Trafford.
Before the latest report emerged, United goalkeeper Andre Onana said the final was “extra motivation” after an injury-plagued season in which many of their star players underperformed.
“We’ve already lost twice against City (in the Premier League),” he said. “We know how good they are — the best team at the moment, and they have our respect — but we are going there to win. It’s a final.”
Onana, who also played under Ten Hag at Ajax, defended his manager, describing him as a “good guy and a good coach.”
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“Tactically, he’s very good, and he showed it last season,” said the Cameroon international. “I wasn’t here last season, but they finished in the top four.
“This season, a lot has happened. I’m not here to defend him. He’s more than capable of defending himself. But he’s a really good guy, a positive coach, and tactically sound.
“If he had his full squad, things would probably be different. This season has been difficult for him, for us, for the club, and for the fans.”
Saturday’s match offers United a chance at a trophy 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 ensure we qualify for the Europa League.”
AFP
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