Erik ten Hag's private stance on Man Utd sacking revealed with sacrifice needed to stay after FA Cup win

Erik ten Hag's private stance on Man Utd sacking revealed with sacrifice needed to stay after FA Cup win

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up with Erik ten Hag fighting to stay at Man Utd

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 27/05/2024

- 11:33

The Dutchman won the famous trophy on Saturday after a turbulent season at Old Trafford

Erik ten Hag reportedly fears he could still be sacked by Manchester United, despite guiding the club to FA Cup glory at Manchester City's expense on Saturday.

The Dutchman went into the game with talk rife that he'd be relieved of his duties, regardless of what happened.


But United pulled off a major upset by beating City 2-1 courtesy of first-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.

Ten Hag's position at Old Trafford remains uncertain, however, with the Dutchman fighting to save his job.

Erik ten Hag Man Utd

Erik ten Hag is fighting to keep his job at Man Utd despite winning the FA Cup

PA

After Saturday's cup win, he's now won two trophies in as many years.

But United fell well short of expectations this term, with the fallen giants finishing eighth in the Premier League table - while also struggling in the Carabao Cup and Champions League.

According to ESPN, Ten Hag still fears he could be axed despite his impressive trophy record.

United are currently undergoing a review of this season, with Sir Dave Brailsford looking over the past nine months.

Ten Hag, if he's to stay, will need to show he can fit into INEOS' new structure as they look to bring the glory days back.

He will need to sacrifice having a big say in player recruitment, too.

United have signed many players based on his advice, including Lisandro Martinez, Andre Onana and Antony.

But the Red Devils want the hierarchy to call more of the shots when it comes to the individuals they bring in.

Should Ten Hag go, he'll apparently leave with his 'head held high'.

Yet both Brailsford and Sir Jim Ratcliffe know sacking the 54-year-old is now significantly harder in the wake of such a sensational win.

Four managers are under consideration when it comes to potentially replacing Ten Hag.

Thomas Tuchel could make a return to England, having previously impressed during his time in charge of Chelsea.

With Mauricio Pochettino available following his departure from the Blues, the Argentine is also a potential option.

United have been linked with Kieran McKenna, though it's believed he's likelier to end up at Brighton if he leaves Ipswich Town.

And Thomas Frank has been tipped to arrive as well, having worked wonders during his spell in charge of Brentford.

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Man Utd Sir Jim Ratcliffe Sir Dave Brailsford

Man Utd chiefs Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford will decide on Erik ten Hag's future in the coming days

PA

Ten Hag, speaking on Saturday, vowed to win trophies elsewhere if he ends up departing United.

“Two trophies in two seasons and three finals… not bad," he said, having guided United to the Carabao Cup and FA Cup final last year.

“If they don’t want me anymore, I’ll go somewhere else and win trophies.

"That’s what I do."

And, when told United had been holding talks with other managers behind his back, he added: "I am here to win and I want to build a team.

Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag will leave Man Utd 'with his head held high' if he's sacked

PA

"My whole managerial career I have won games and trophies.

"You see in the last decade, there were not many finals, many trophies, not many young players coming through the first team with high potential.

"I don't know this [about INEOS talking to other managers without his knowledge]. I can't answer this question.

"Maybe you have sources, I don't have them."

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