12
Against all the odds, Manchester United emerged 2-1 victors in the FA Cup final against fierce rivals Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday to end a disappointing season on a high.
This was the club’s 13th triumph in the competition and it also ensured that the Red Devils qualified for the Europa League after missing out on European qualification completely through their league placing.
The club had earlier finished eighth in the league, their lowest-ever Premier League finish and had been knocked out of the Champions League at the first time of asking.
Prior to the game, rumours were swirling regarding a potential sack but now that United ended up winning, Ten Hag’s chances of remaining at the helm have improved dramatically.
EtH’s future
There are sections within the hierarchy who want the Dutchman to stay while the 20-time English league champions will also need to pay a higher severance package if they do want to get rid of the former Ajax coach.
Reports had indicated that the Old Trafford side had spoken to potential suitors including Kieran McKenna, Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi but the club had vehemently denied those allegations.
New co-owners INEOS are undergoing a season review and only after that will a final decision be taken. It is expected to take at least a few days.
According to The Times, Ten Hag wants the process to be completed as quickly as possible so that he can either begin work at Carrington ahead of the new season or move on to pastures new.
“Erik ten Hag wants Manchester United to make a swift decision on his future, but the club’s FA Cup triumph may have complicated matters — as it means they must pay him a higher compensation fee should they sack him.
“Despite Saturday’s win, Ten Hag is worried that he will be sacked this summer, two years into a three-year deal, and wants to know where he stands so he can start planning for next season or apply for other jobs.”
There have been offers from Ajax while Bayern Munich were also linked with a move. Both clubs have since zeroed in on their chosen candidates which means the 54-year-old will have to find himself a new home should the Red Devils pull the plug.
New home?
Interestingly, TeamTalk have now reported that Bayern’s rivals Borussia Dortmund are willing to offer Ten Hag the job despite Edin Terzić guiding BVB to an unlikely Champions League final.
“Ten Hag has previously been linked with a return to Bayern Munich, where he was in charge of the second team under Guardiola. But Bayern are close to appointing Vincent Kompany from Burnley as their replacement for Thomas Tuchel.
“Instead, Ten Hag might go back to Germany by linking up with Bayern’s rivals Borussia Dortmund.”
Ten Hag has previously worked in Germany with Bayern while a move to Dortmund could see him united with Jadon Sancho, with whom he had a major falling-out earlier this season.
United should resolve this matter as quickly as possible so as to start their transfer business ahead of INEOS’ first full season in charge.
Want to be the first to hear breaking Man United news? For carefully selected, crucial updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.