The Manchester United manager will depart regardless of the result of tomorrow’s FA Cup final
Erik ten Hag will leave his position as manager of Manchester United even if his side should prevail in tomorrow’s FA Cup final meeting with Manchester City.
That’s according to Jacob Steinberg from the Guardian, who states that ‘a well-placed source’ suggests the decision to part company has been taken.
The timing of these reports is hardly welcome, given the Reds take the field at Wembley at 15:00 BST tomorrow for a season-saving 90 minutes.
Speculation has been building throughout the week
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio began the speculation on Wednesday when information circulated about the club’s decision to sack the Dutchman.
As reported by Get Italian Football News, the Italian stated, “At the end of the season, Manchester United will say goodbye to Ten Hag. It is certain – they will be saying goodbye to him.”
Initially, this received a mixed response based on several factors – namely, the timing of the statement in consideration for the task at hand on Saturday.
Sky Sports identify contact with Kieran McKenna
Sky Sports was next to break an exclusive angle on the manager’s future, with the media giant confirming the 20-time champions of England had been in contact with Kieran McKenna’s representatives.
The implication was that conversations had taken place to discuss the prospect of the Ipswich Town manager becoming the new chief of the Old Trafford outfit.
According to the video, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox met with the Northern Irishman’s contingent – although it was clear that a decision on Ten Hag’s future had not yet been taken.
Shades of 2016
In a similar manner to 2016’s FA Cup final success against Crystal Palace, managerial uncertainty was the talk of the town – with then manager Louis van Gaal struggling to convince the hierarchy of his suitability.
Despite delivering United’s first FA Cup success in 12 seasons, the legendary manager was relieved of his duties, with supporters made aware while travelling away from the stadium.
Like anything in football, a managerial career can be short – with any Manchester United chief frequently lamented by media and supporters alike.
That said, considering the level of secrecy regarding Ten Hag’s future, reports of this magnitude, at this time, take from what should be a memorable day out for the travelling supporters and those at home.
I would like to say I am surprised, but nothing in the world of Premier League football surprises me anymore.
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