JUST IN: Erik ten Hag sack verdict reached as Man Utd consider ‘brilliant replacement’
Yet another weekend has passed, and the analysis is already in full swing. It’s not the typical scenario for a team that has just made it to their third cup final in 15 months.
However, let’s not get too deep into punditry talk. This is Manchester United we’re talking about. The contemporary Manchester United led by Erik ten Hag. Coventry City came to realize this fact just before 5 pm on Sunday.
They were just inches away from causing one of the biggest upsets in not only FA Cup history but also in English football history. Mark Robins’ second-tier Sky Blues fought back from a three-goal deficit in the semi-final showdown, only to face a heartbreaking loss on penalties against his former club.
However, despite their loss, Robins – the one who famously secured Sir Alex Ferguson’s job in 1990 with a memorable goal in the FA Cup third round – is now said to have influenced the fate of another United manager. This assertion comes from Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, who criticized the narrow victory as ’embarrassing.’ Ten Hag has denied this claim amidst rumors that Manchester United have already reached out to former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel to discuss potentially taking over from the Dutchman once he departs Bayern Munich this summer.
Observing from Wembley were the new faces in United’s hierarchy, including new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and long-time chief Avram Glazer, witnessing United’s collapse in the second half and struggles in extra time. It will be these individuals, along with others from the boardroom, who will be in charge of making decisions and determining which manager will lead the team from the Old Trafford dugout next season.
With this in mind, we posed the question to the Mirror Football team: Is it the end of the road for Ten Hag?
According to John Cross, Erik ten Hag’s time at Manchester United has come to an end. The events at Wembley likely only confirmed the need for a managerial change at the club. Cross expresses sympathy for Ten Hag, noting that despite winning a trophy in his first season and reaching a final in his second, he had to navigate through significant uncertainty surrounding the club.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent ownership acquisition comes after prolonged negotiations, adding to the uncertainty Ten Hag faced. With the club’s uncertain market activities last summer and a lack of clarity at the beginning of the season, Ten Hag found himself in a challenging position.
Despite these challenges, Ten Hag appears to have lost momentum, and the team lacks a distinct identity or style, with no consistent preferred starting lineup. The new ownership likely desires a manager who aligns more closely with their vision, emphasizing the importance of establishing the right
Mike Walters
Yes, Ten Hag seems to be ill-suited for the job and running out of time. His tenure at Old Trafford faced a rocky start with a home loss to Brighton and a humiliating defeat against Brentford, where they were down 4-0 before halftime.
Ever since these early stumbles, he has been struggling to catch up. Despite winning the League Cup last year, Ten Hag has failed to bridge the credibility gap. Placing at the bottom of a Champions League group that included teams like Copenhagen and Galatasaray is a serious offense in a prestigious club like United.
Even reaching the FA Cup final seems like a stroke of luck, as they were overshadowed by Liverpool at Old Trafford and barely made it past Coventry in the semi-final, relying on VAR decisions. Several of his high-profile signings, such as Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, and Mason Mount, have not lived up to expectations.
In a club with a legacy that includes figures like Fergie and Busby, unfortunately, Ten Hag, who has handled numerous setbacks with grace, appears to be closer to the level of Frank O’Farrell. The end seems near, and he must be aware of it.
David Anderson
Erik ten Hag has been going through a prolonged departure process since last month, particularly when it became apparent that Manchester United would miss out on a Champions League qualification spot. Given the tumultuous nature of this season, securing a Champions League spot was likely the only thing that could have preserved his job.
The FA Cup is almost insignificant in this context, as evidenced by United’s history of dismissing Louis van Gaal in 2016 after failing to secure a top-four finish. United’s lackluster performance against Coventry further reinforces Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s inclination to part ways with Ten Hag, with Thomas Tuchel being touted as a superb replacement. Tuchel may achieve Champions League success as a parting gesture to Bayern Munich and has expressed a desire to return to the Premier League.
Recognized for his tactical acumen, Tuchel famously outwitted Pep Guardiola to clinch the 2021 Champions League with Chelsea in a remarkable victory. He possesses the ability to adjust his strategies mid-game to trouble opposing managers, making him a high-caliber coach that United would benefit from, unlike Gareth Southgate, who is respected but not on the same level.
Now it’s your turn! If Manchester United were to remove Erik ten Hag, who do you think they should appoint as his successor? Share your thoughts and join the debate in the comments section.
Simon Bird
If Manchester United were to win the FA Cup, dismissing Erik Ten Hag would be seen as harsh and quite challenging. He would have accomplished the typical benchmark for managers at Old Trafford by delivering a trophy each season.
It’s likely that Jim Ratcliffe’s team is already monitoring available managerial options for next season, ensuring they have alternatives. They’ll prioritize a superior option if one arises, but if not, it might be wise to remain patient and stick to their long-term rebuilding strategy.
The managerial market is competitive, with several top clubs across Europe seeking new coaches, so Manchester United can’t afford to hesitate. Much will hinge on the outcome of the FA Cup final, their ability to secure a top-six finish, and how the overall season is perceived and presented.
Felix Keith
Erik ten Hag’s fate was sealed once Sir Jim Ratcliffe finalized his takeover in February. Despite Ratcliffe presenting himself as a Manchester United supporter, he prioritizes being a tough billionaire businessman above all else and is unwilling to tolerate mediocrity.
With a one-third stake in the Mercedes F1 team, Ratcliffe’s approach aligns with the philosophy articulated by team principal Toto Wolff in October, emphasizing a straightforward and efficient decision-making process without unnecessary complexities.
Ratcliffe emphasizes the importance of hierarchy and aims to have a new head coach who seamlessly integrates into the new structure he is establishing. He insists on having a management team composed of top-tier individuals, as he mentioned in. It is evident that Ten Hag does not meet these high standards, and Ratcliffe, along with Sir Dave Brailsford, has been actively seeking potential replacements. Ten Hag is well aware of what lies ahead.
Jacob Leeks
There’s no chance Erik ten Hag will remain at Manchester United beyond this season. The victory against Coventry perfectly epitomized the state of the Red Devils under his leadership – fragile, feeble, uninspired, and, in the case of Antony, shameful.
It’s clear that United must move forward, as Ten Hag doesn’t meet the standards for the transformation Sir Jim Ratcliffe aims to achieve. Ten Hag has never demonstrated the capability to instill a distinctive style of play in his team; instead, it has been largely reactive. Additionally, the poor recruitment during his tenure further strengthens the case for parting ways with the Dutch manager.
Regarding his replacement, Thomas Tuchel emerges as a viable candidate, given his track record of providing stability in previous roles. Although United will face competition from clubs like Liverpool in the managerial market, Ratcliffe’s plans should make the club an appealing destination. Regardless of who they appoint, Ten Hag’s departure is inevitable
Thomas Wathen
The scenario of a Manchester United manager losing the dressing room and subsequently being sacked is unfortunately a familiar narrative since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in May 2013.
Despite some of the most prominent figures in football management taking on the role, they all seem to encounter similar challenges. With leaks seemingly abundant in the Old Trafford dressing room, one is left pondering whether it’s the manager’s approach or the players’ attitudes that are at fault.
Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo publicly criticized Ten Hag in a candid interview with Piers Morgan and Jadon Sancho openly disagreed with the boss, the Dutchman’s tenure in England has only deteriorated. Sir Jim Ratcliffe faces a significant decision to make this summer, especially considering the groundwork being laid behind the scenes for a revamped management structure at the club. It wouldn’t be surprising to witness a new manager taking the helm.
Thomas Tuchel may be keen on a return to England, and his availability adds to the speculation. While Gareth Southgate could potentially step into the role after the Euros, it remains uncertain whether this would represent an improvement over Ten Hag.
Scott Trotter
It has become increasingly apparent that Erik ten Hag’s tenure as Manchester United manager is nearing its end. While the Dutch coach has faced occasional letdowns from his team, the accumulation of disappointments ultimately reflects back on Ten Hag.
The arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe didn’t offer much reassurance for Ten Hag, which likely didn’t aid the 54-year-old in maintaining his authority during a challenging season. It’s difficult to envision a turnaround in his relationship with players and supporters at this point. While a victory against Manchester City in the FA Cup final could potentially improve matters, the prospect feels improbable.
Regarding his potential successor, the job could be appealing with new investment from Ratcliffe and a desire to uplift the prevailing low mood. However, given the fluctuating fortunes during Ten Hag’s reign, there may be some caution. Manchester United might not be the top choice for a new coach, especially with vacancies at clubs like Liverpool and Bayern Munich also in contention.
Alan Smith
Signs have been evident for months, possibly since the time INEOS finalized their acquisition of a 25% stake in the club on Christmas Eve. However, Sunday is expected to symbolize the definitive end of the road.
