Manchester United will conduct a season review next week — including the performance of manager Erik ten Hag — before deciding on next steps for the football club.
The build-up to United’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City in Saturday’s FA Cup final was dominated by questions over Ten Hag’s future, with the manager admitting afterwards that he “didn’t know” whether it was his last match in charge.
United have already begun contacting other candidates, including Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna, as they explore possible replacements for Ten Hag but have always insisted no final decision has yet been made on the Dutchman’s future.
The club’s hierarchy, led by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford, now intend to objectively assess all aspects of what Ten Hag said at Wembley has been a “rubbish” campaign.
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United finished eighth in the Premier League but will at least play in Europe against next season as their FA Cup victory means they will compete in the Europa League. While this does not guarantee the multi-million pound windfall of playing in the Champions League — which is estimated to bring English clubs around €70million (£60m;$75m at current rates) next season if they reach the last 16 — it will still be very beneficial for United’s compliance with financial fair play (FFP) regulations. The total money paid out to Europa League clubs next term will be €565m, which could bring the club close to €40m in prize money if they have a good run in the competition.
After INEOS’ 27.7 per cent stake in United was confirmed in February, Ratcliffe said it was important the club “walk to the right solution, not run to the wrong one”. Accordingly, United will start looking next week at what areas need to improve to increase performance on the pitch, including Ten Hag’s willingness to evolve, and then decide the best course of action.
Ten Hag was defiant after winning the FA Cup, following his side’s victory in the Carabao Cup in his first season in charge.
“Two trophies in two years is not bad, three finals in two years is not bad,” he said. “If they don’t want me, then I go somewhere else to win trophies because that is what I do.”
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FA Cup final Briefing: Manchester City 1 Manchester United 2 – A breathtaking team goal and Ten Hag gets it right
(Photo: John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images)
Daniel Miller is a sports fanatic who lives and breathes athletics. His coverage spans from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis for sports enthusiasts.
