Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will depart for his summer holiday on Sunday with his future up in the air.
United face Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday and Ten Hag plans to leave the country the following day after their 52-game season. The club was staying tight-lipped last night amid reports a decision has already been made.
Regardless of the final score against City, Ten Hag’s position is uncertain as United finished eighth in the Premier League table and were eliminated from the Champions League before Christmas.
United failed to qualify for any of the European competitions through the Premier League but would enter the Europa League if they beat champions City. On the four previous occasions that United have failed to qualify for the Champions League, the club have changed manager during or at the end of the season.
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When asked if he had any discussions scheduled with the United hierarchy next week, Ten Hag replied. “No, we already did and on Sunday I will go on holiday. I think I deserve it. It is not necessary [to have assurances]. We will go for next season.”
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has declined to publicly back Ten Hag and the Ineos group have assessed potential replacements since Ratcliffe’s 27.7% stake was ratified in February.
Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel and Roberto de Zerbi are among the available coaches while Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna is open to returning to the club, having left as first team coach in December 2021.
Ten Hag confirmed he is in regular dialogue with Ratcliffe and Ineos sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford, who has been in attendance for the majority of United’s matches since Boxing Day. Jason Wilcox took over as technical director last month and Omar Berrada will officially start as chief executive on July 13 but he has been working in an unofficial capacity during his gardening leave at City.
““Of course, we are together,” Ten Hag reiterated. “Since January, they have been part of this club and they want us to win trophies.
“As I said, this club didn’t win many trophies in the last 10 years, so now we have the second opportunity in two years and it is a big opportunity to win another trophy.”
In what was possibly Ten Hag’s last press conference at Carrington, he repeatedly referenced the possibility of United winning two trophies under his stewardship. “I mentioned it because it is a fact,” Ten Hag stressed. “This club is in a transition period and we have progressed many players to high levels.”
Ten Hag also highlighted his track record with developing young players, with 19-year-olds Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho expected to represent England at the European Championship and Argentina in the Copa America. Garnacho made his full debut for United under Ten Hag last season while all 34 of Mainoo’s appearances have come under the Dutchman.
“Some young players also came into the team and became internationals and will go to the Copa America and the Euros, which is very good,” Ten Hag added. “We want to improve the squad, we want to create a team for the future but in the meantime we want to win trophies.
“On Saturday, we have a big opportunity to win another trophy and a third final in two years, I would say, is not too bad. I am sure that many forget this [when they judge me], yes, absolutely.”