Manchester United reportedly have no plans to sack Erik ten Hag before the FA Cup final against Manchester City, despite Monday’s 4-0 thrashing against Crystal Palace. Ten Hag isn’t expected to learn his future until after the derby clash at Wembley Stadium on May 25, despite two glaring issues coming out of his dressing room.
United’s performance at Selhurst Park was one of the worst of the mediocre post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, keeping the club in eighth.
Staying below Newcastle United and Chelsea would confirm the Red Devils’ worst-ever Premier League finish and deny qualification for the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League.
The FA Cup would represent Ten Hag’s final chance to salvage a Europa League spot, but more importantly, a second major trophy in as many years as manager.
But a second successive FA Cup final defeat to their bitter rivals would leave a dismal season on the dampest of notes and likely force Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s hand to make a change.
Before then, The Telegraph report that United’s new decision-makers intend to allow Ten Hag to take charge of their final three league games and the Wembley showdown.
United host title-chasers Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday before the visit of two Newcastle United. Ten Hag’s side end their Premier League campaign away at Brighton and Hove Albion.
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Several United players are said to believe that the Dutchman’s fate is effectively sealed, regardless of whether they triumph over their bitter rivals for a 13th FA Cup later this month.
Ten Hag’s lack of motivational skills and empathy towards his squad is said to have been the source of issues throughout a troublesome campaign.
His struggles to secure consistent results this term reportedly led to United figures giving up on their hopes of retaining their Champions League status some time ago.
But a failure to compete in European football altogether next season, even a maiden appearance in the Conference League, would not be received well.
Jason Wilcox, who started his role as United’s new technical director last month, is claimed to be undergoing a month-long audit at the club’s Carrington training base.
That is expected to involve an assessment of Ten Hag’s credentials as manager, using personal observations as well as those from staff and players.
Wilcox didn’t look impressed at Selhurst Park as he sat alongside Jean-Claude Blanc – who will become interim chief executive after the FA Cup final until Omar Berrada starts on July 13.
Both chiefs would have a significant say if United decided to extend their ruthless change across the football hierarchy into the dugout.
