Erik ten Hag’s rollercoaster reign at Manchester United could soon come to an end, despite the Red Devils beating Manchester City 2-1 in Saturday’s FA Cup final
Erik ten Hag is an FA Cup winner – but might not be in a job by the end of this week.
Despite producing a tactical masterclass to guide Manchester United to a shock 2-1 victory over bitter rivals Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday, the Dutchman’s future remains in real doubt. Ten Hag oversaw United’s worst-ever Premier League finish and the Red Devils also finished bottom of their Champions League group, putting pressure on his position even before Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority takeover.
In the five months since, INEOS chairman has refused to back Ten Hag publicly and didn’t directly acknowledge the former Ajax boss during his message of congratulations after beating City. A decision is looming as the debate over his future continues.
Here’s a round-up of the latest news from Old Trafford.
FA Cup win increases Ten Hag’s compensation
Manchester United would have to shell out more compensation money to sack Erik ten Hag thanks to winning the FA Cup. United missed out on European spots thanks to their historically bad eighth-place finish in the Premier League but Saturday’s triumph means that the Red Devils are set to play in the Europa League next season.
ESPN report that had United missed out on Europe altogether, then Ten Hag would’ve been owed a smaller payout. The same report claims that sources close to Ten Hag fear a second trophy in two seasons won’t be enough to save him from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s axe.
More details on Ten Hag’s situation here
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Support growing for Ten Hag
Erik ten Hag still has support from members of Manchester United’s new hierarchy – and the FA Cup win has bolstered their arguments. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS colleagues have done their fair share of reshuffling since his £1.3billion agreement to become a 27.7 per cent shareholder was agreed in December, and not all of them are opposed to Ten Hag staying.
The Independent claim Ratcliffe and co are well aware that sacking Ten Hag could prove to be an unpopular decision, but remain intent on making a cold and holistic decision. United’s new decision makers will make their call this week in a final review of the season.
Read the latest on what INEOS are planning here
Europa League relegation concern
Manchester United could soon find themselves relegated from next season’s Europa League due to INEOS’ ownership of French club Nice. The Ligue 1 side finished fifth and have therefore qualified for the competition.
Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivere recently admitted that ‘adjustments would have to be made’ in order for both Nice and United to play in the same competition due to UEFA’s rules on multi-club ownership.
See UEFA’s guidleines here
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