Manchester United have reportedly been angered by suggestions that they have met Erik ten Hag replacement candidates in the build-up to the FA Cup final. INEOS, the club’s new co-owners, are said to be considering keeping Ten Hag in charge for two reasons ahead of the summer transfer window.
United have the opportunity to salvage something from a dismal second season under the Dutchman when they face Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
A shock victory would earn a second major trophy in as many years of Ten Hag’s reign and make it increasingly difficult to sack him in the coming weeks.
He is under mounting pressure after overseeing United’s worst Premier League and Champions League campaigns in decades.
And reports on Thursday claimed that Omar Berrada – who officially starts as chief executive on July 13 – and technical director Jason Wilcox held talks with Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna earlier this month.
McKenna has been thrust among the frontrunners to become United boss if Ten Hag is sent his marching orders after Saturday’s final.
However, the Red Devils have reportedly vehemently denied that any meetings with possible manager candidates have taken place.
According to HITC, while club chiefs have been doing their own due diligence and background checks, they are angered by such claims.
McKenna’s agents are said to have made Brighton and Hove Albion, Chelsea and United aware that he is ready to leave Ipswich after sealing back-to-back promotions to the Premier League.
The 38-year-old is admired at Old Trafford. He served for five years as U18 manager and Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer‘s assistant before leaving for Portman Road in 2021.
However, it’s claimed that United hold some reservations about bringing him back as manager less than three years after his departure.
The report adds that there is also a reluctance to sack Ten Hag because of the significant recruitment drive needed this summer.
United are eyeing at least four signings as well as a mass clearout, and it is believed that keeping Ten Hag will allow them to focus on the transfer window.
That said, HITC state that there is a shortlist of candidates if, after a likely season review next week, United decide to make a change in the dugout.
Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter and Thomas Frank are said to join McKenna in having admirers in M16.
Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel and Hansi Flick have also been tabled as potential options.