Several Manchester United players reportedly believe Erik ten Hag will be sacked this summer as the club’s disastrous season stumbles to an underwhelming conclusion. Just one win in seven Premier League games has obliterated morale and left Ten Hag’s minimum requirement of Champions League qualification almost out of reach.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a 28 per cent stake in February increased scrutiny on the Dutchman’s position amid a below-par second campaign.
INEOS have overseen sweeping changes in the United hierarchy since inheriting total control of football operations from the Glazer family.
Omar Berrada will replace Richard Arnold as chief executive this summer, and Jason Wilcox is set to join him as technical director in the coming weeks. Both have contributed to Manchester City’s current successful structure.
Dan Ashworth will also arrive as the club’s new sporting director once he serves his Newcastle United gardening leave, with further appointments expected.
United’s lack of progress on the pitch this term has left Ten Hag’s future in serious doubt, and sections of his dressing room reportedly believe he is already resigned to his fate.
Watch all the Premier League and Champions League drama unfold on TNT Sports
According to the Manchester Evening News, numerous United players are convinced the club will have a new head coach next season.
Much of the current senior squad isn’t guaranteed to remain at Old Trafford beyond the summer as Ratcliffe looks to get ruthless in driving change on and off the pitch.
However, some players are said to be delaying decisions on their futures, and it remains to be seen who will be in charge of the 2024/25 campaign.
Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton are all out of contract in July. Sofyan Amrabat’s loan won’t become permanent.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen, and Amad Diallo are all entering the final 12 months of their current deals.
United are expected to listen to offers for several players this summer, with Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood and Casemiro potentially set for big-money exits.
And Ten Hag could be among the departures, despite insisting he had “no doubts” he would receive a third year in the Old Trafford dugout.
The report adds that Ten Hag’s decision to hand his players a day off last Monday after the 2-2 draw against Liverpool. He is claimed to treat recovery days more seriously than previous managers.
Whether that’s a desperate attempt to change his approach and salvage the season remains to be seen. What is certain, though, is that United are on course for their worst-ever Premier League season.
