Manchester United have decided to sack manager Erik ten Hag after Saturday’s FA Cup final, according to a report.
The Dutchman has faced great scrutiny over his future during his second season in charge at Old Trafford, leading an injury-ravaged squad to a finish of eighth in the Premier League.
There will be no European football at United in 2024/25 unless they beat Manchester City on Saturday, but The Guardian write that victory won’t be enough to keep Ten Hag in his job regardless.
The Red Devils have already been scouring the market for a replacement for the former Ajax boss, holding talks with Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna who also features on a list of potential successors alongside Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank and Thomas Tuchel.
Pochettino, who only recently confirmed his departure from Chelsea after a single season, is said to have been alerted to the potential vacancy at United.
After a difficult start to life at United, Ten Hag turned things around in his debut year, leading the club to third place in the league and the Carabao Cup, their first piece of silverware in six years.
McKenna or Pochettino to replace Ten Hag at Old Trafford?
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However, this term has been a different story entirely. Uncertainty over the club’s ownership affected the team’s performances early in the campaign, resulting in a dismal effort in the Champions League where they finished bottom of their group.
While hamstrung by sweeping injuries throughout his squad but primarily in defence, Ten Hag’s management and in-game tactics have come under fire after some particularly apathetic performances in 2023/24.
The 54-year-old could still emulate former United boss and compatriot Louis van Gaal in winning the FA Cup in his final match as manager, but their recent record against City makes for tough reading. The Red Devils have lost four of the last five meetings between the local rivals, including this season’s two league clashes which ended with a 6-1 aggregate scoreline to Pep Guardiola’s outfit.
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