In a section of his pre-match news conference on Thursday, the content from which was embargoed until Friday evening, Ten Hag was asked whether talks were planned with the club’s new ownership group next week.
“No, we already did it and on Sunday I will go on holiday,” he said. “I think I deserve it.”
When he was then asked if he had been given any assurances about his future with the club, where his contract still has a year to run, Ten Hag replied: “It is not necessary. We will go for next season.”
The situation has uneasy echoes of eight years ago, when Ten Hag’s fellow Dutchman Louis van Gaal learned he was about to be sacked as United’s victory over Crystal Palace in the 2016 final ended.
Van Gaal was informed of the decision by United’s hierarchy 24 hours later.
United go into the FA Cup final with City knowing defeat will mean no European football next season for only the second time since 1981-82, excluding the five-year period when all English clubs were banned.
They finished eighth in the Premier League, one place below the David Moyes season of 2013-14, and their lowest since 1989-90.
Replacements have been suggested in the form of Thomas Tuchel, Gareth Southgate, Mauricio Pochettino, Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank and others.
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