Manchester United are yet to make a final decision on Erik ten Hag’s future as manager despite reports that the coach was due to get fired after the FA Cup final.
The Dutchman recorded United’s worst ever Premier League finish but ended the season with an FA Cup triumph over Manchester City. It was reported elsewhere that Ten Hag would get sacked regardless of the result at Wembley.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is not rushing to a decision, although will need to make his call soon. The transfer window opens in a fortnight and the manager will want a say on incomings and outgoings, whomever that may be.
READ MORE: Ratcliffe has key questions to answer whether Ten Hag stays or goes
READ MORE: Everton value of Branthwaite similar to United’s record defensive signing
United have been slammed as damaging the reputation of three players, all of whom could exit this summer, by a former Premier League great. He said it shows that “something is wrong” at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag decision delayed
The decision over whether to sack Ten Hag will not be made this week, according to The Telegraph. United are currently working through their season review and will carefully consider their next steps once it is concluded.
MEN Sport revealed earlier this year that Ratcliffe is not totally sold on Ten Hag as manager, ring fencing exited Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi as a potential replacement. Ratcliffe has also refused to publicly assess Ten Hag’s tenure.
Ten Hag is currently away on holiday as the review is carried out. The agents of De Zerbi, Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank and staying Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna have all been spoken to in recent weeks, the report claims.
MEN Sport’s Isaac Johnson says: “It seems Ineos are going about the right way of deciding Erik ten Hag’s future. There’s no point sacking a manager if there is no one better who could come in.
“However, there are indeed appealing options, Pochettino and Tuchel to name two. Ratcliffe is right to bide his time but must not wait too long to make a decision if he is to axe Ten Hag, with the transfer window not that far away for any new coach.”
Fabregas: Three players show state of United
Cesc Fabregas says the downturns in quality from Jadon Sancho, Sofyan Amrabat and Casemiro all show how poorly United have been run. He told the BBC that he believes this trend shows something is, or was, awry internally.
He said: “Manchester United will come back because they are a big team but look at Jadon Sancho,. He’s not doing well at United, he goes to Dortmund and he looks again like the player we all thought he was going to be.
“Look at the midfielder that impressed for Morocco at the World Cup [Amrabat], he was fantastic. And then he goes to Man United and he’s not been the same player.
“Casemiro won Champions League after Champions League at Real Madrid, he was the best defensive midfielder in the world and then he goes to Manchester United and looks like a completely different player.
“Obviously it makes me think that something is wrong there. It’s not a coincidence that three top, top players come in and they are not good all of a sudden.”
MEN Sport’s Isaac Johnson says: “Fabregas is right to point to the dips in form and he is partly correct in his assessment. United have been a cesspit in recent years due to how they were run internally.
“However, Sancho’s form at Dortmund only really proves that the German club is the right environment for him, not that he would necessarily cut it anywhere else in the Premier League. Sofyan Amrabat has only played well since realising United might not keep him on.
“And Casemiro is now 32 and is showing it, although it should be remembered that his first season at Old Trafford was impressive. Each case in itself is individual and not necessarily indicative of the state of United, but it’s also fair to say none has improved due to being at the club either.”
Get United transfer news and updates on WhatsApp!
Our team of Manchester United experts are on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for this week and beyond, and you can get the latest team news, injury updates, reaction and analysis along with inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community. You can also join the 50,000 (and growing!) band of United fans who are following our WhatsApp Channel.
Sign up to our community here, and join our WhatsApp channel here.
—
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
