Manchester United has decided to part ways with Erik ten Hag, irrespective of the result in the upcoming FA Cup final against Manchester City. This weekend’s clash at Wembley was seen as Ten Hag’s last chance to secure his position, but the decision to let him go has already been made.
Despite guiding United to the FA Cup final, the team’s overall performance under Ten Hag’s second season has been disappointing. United finished eighth in the Premier League, marking their worst league finish in 34 years. This season, they also suffered more defeats than any previous United team in the Premier League era and ended with a negative goal difference for the first time since 1990.
The club’s hierarchy had high hopes for Ten Hag, who joined from Ajax in 2022 and had a promising first season, finishing third in the Premier League and winning the Carabao Cup. However, the lack of progress this season has led to the decision to seek a new manager. Potential candidates to replace Ten Hag include former Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel, ex-Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, and the unemployed Graham Potter.
Ten Hag, aware of the intense speculation about his future, remained focused on the task at hand. In a press conference before the FA Cup final, he stated, “I have nothing to say. I am just focusing on the job I have to do and that is first to win the game on Saturday and then keep going in the project. Every game I want to win and that is it.” When pressed about his plans for the next season, Ten Hag added, “Yes of course, but my focus is on Saturday. I only think about this game.”
As United prepares for the FA Cup final amidst uncertainty, the club’s new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be tasked with appointing a new manager this summer. The decision to sack Ten Hag underscores the club’s commitment to revamping its strategy after a disappointing season, aiming to reclaim its status in both domestic and international competitions.