Manchester United’s recent managerial saga has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride.
The spotlight has firmly focused on Erik ten Hag, the Dutchman who took the reins at Old Trafford. His tenure has been marked by highs and lows, but the recent decision-making process has left fans scratching their heads.
Ten Hag’s future was called into question throughout the 2023/24 season, which saw the Red Devils finish a disappointing eighth in the Premier League – their lowest-ever return in the modern era.
However, a surprise FA Cup final win against rivals Manchester City injected a glimmer of hope. Momentum shifted, and reports emerged that the club had already decided to sack him. But here’s where it gets complicated.
According to The Times, if Manchester United were to push through with plans to fire Ten Hag, they would owe him a higher compensation fee due to his success in the FA Cup.
Yes, you read that right. Winning the cup has seen them secure qualification to the Europa League, triggering a clause in his contract related to European participation. United’s decision to sack him would now come at a steeper price than previously planned.
While the focus has been on the club’s decline, it’s essential to recognize that Ten Hag is as much to blame as anyone for the lack of world-class signings post-Sir Alex Ferguson.
The shift in transfer policy – allowing the manager to decide who to sign – hasn’t yielded the desired results.
The decline in performance and the failure to secure top-tier talent have raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.
The dressing room isn’t immune to the Ten Hag effect. After a 3-0 loss to Manchester City, players were reportedly left “dumbfounded” by his tactics. His second season at the helm has been tricky, and the pressure is mounting.
Additionally, a blunder on his part has inadvertently pushed a United forward closer to an exit, which could be a damning indictment for the club.
Ten Hag’s fate hangs in the balance. United’s end-of-season review will evaluate his position, with key decision-makers like Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Avram Glazer, Sir Dave Brailsford, and Jason Wilcox having the final say.
The Dutchman still has a year left on his contract, but various managers – including Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi – have been linked with the United job.
Meanwhile, former coach Kieran McKenna’s potential return to Old Trafford remains a topic of discussion.
In the end, United’s Ten Hag decision is a high-stakes gamble. Will they stick with the Dutchman, hoping for a turnaround, or cut their losses and seek fresh leadership? Only time will tell whether this fiasco turns into redemption or regret for the Red Devils.