As Manchester United prepares for the FA Cup final against Manchester City, manager Erik ten Hag faces an uncertain future. Speculation about his potential dismissal has intensified, with reports suggesting he might lose his position regardless of the match outcome. The Guardian reported on Friday that Ten Hag could be sacked after the Wembley showdown on Saturday at 15:00 BST.
Manchester United has not commented on these rumors. Instead, club sources emphasize their focus on the upcoming final, aiming to conclude a challenging season on a positive note. They reiterate that any decision regarding Ten Hag’s future will be made following a season-end review. According to BBC Sport, there has been no communication between United and Ten Hag or his representatives.
Echoes of Van Gaal’s Departure
The situation bears similarities to the events of eight years ago when Louis van Gaal, another Dutch manager, was informed of his sacking just after securing an FA Cup victory against Crystal Palace in 2016. Van Gaal received the news from United’s hierarchy a day after the final.
This time, United faces the prospect of missing out on European football next season if they lose to City, a scenario that has occurred only once since the 1981-82 season, aside from the period when English clubs were banned from European competitions. United’s eighth-place finish in the Premier League this season is their lowest since the 1989-90 campaign, even worse than the 2013-14 season under David Moyes.
Potential Replacements and Future Plans
Names like Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, Mauricio Pochettino, and Kieran McKenna have been suggested as possible replacements for Ten Hag. Despite the uncertainty, Ten Hag has expressed that he is planning for the next season. The outcome of the FA Cup final could be pivotal in determining the future direction of Manchester United’s managerial role.
