After the FA Cup final, Manchester United is set to face a significant financial decision regarding their current manager, Erik ten Hag. The club may have to spend up to £9 million in compensation to terminate his contract. Regardless of the outcome of the final match, which features United against their local rivals Manchester City at Wembley, Ten Hag’s tenure appears to be nearing its end. This decision follows what has been described as United’s worst Premier League season, prompting the new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, to consider a managerial change.
The Guardian reports that a list of potential successors is already in the making, with names such as Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Kieran McKenna, Graham Potter, and Thomas Frank being considered to replace the Dutch manager. Each of these candidates brings a unique set of skills and experiences that Ratcliffe believes could better align with the club’s future ambitions.
Despite the looming uncertainty, Ten Hag remains under contract until 2025, which necessitates the hefty payout should the club decide to proceed with his dismissal. In response to inquiries about his future at Old Trafford, Ten Hag maintained an optimistic stance. “I have nothing to say,” he commented when asked if the final might be his last game in charge. “My focus is entirely on winning the game on Saturday and continuing the project here.”
Ten Hag emphasized the potential within the team and the ongoing development project. He noted, “There are some very promising players coming through, and Saturday offers a significant opportunity to secure another trophy. Reviewing the season, we identify areas for improvement, but the objective remains to win trophies.”
He further reiterated his commitment to achieving success with Manchester United. “I came here to win trophies. Saturday’s match is another chance to add to our accomplishments. Despite the club’s trophy drought over the last decade, winning two trophies in two years would mark a notable achievement.”
Reflecting on past encounters with Manchester City, Ten Hag expressed confidence in his squad’s abilities. He mentioned that despite previous losses this season, his team was competitive and had moments of strength. “We were competitive until a controversial VAR decision at Old Trafford, a call that baffled many,” he remarked. “At the Etihad, we performed well for 70 minutes and had chances to take the lead. However, City had the advantage of depth in their squad, which we lacked at the time.”
Looking ahead to the final, Ten Hag is optimistic about his team’s prospects. “This time, we will have a stronger squad and a more robust bench,” he stated. “That depth can make a crucial difference, and I believe we are well-prepared to face City and potentially win the trophy.”
In summary, the anticipated cost of sacking Erik ten Hag after the FA Cup final underscores the significant managerial changes Manchester United is considering. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the helm, the club is exploring various high-profile candidates to replace Ten Hag, aiming to rejuvenate the team and reclaim their stature in English football. Meanwhile, Ten Hag remains focused on the immediate challenge, hoping to lead his team to victory at Wembley.