The wait continues for Erik ten Hag as he eagerly anticipates news about his future as the manager of Manchester United. The club’s bosses, including INEOS director of sport Dave Brailsford, have been engaged in an end-of-season review following their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. Despite expectations that a decision regarding Ten Hag’s position would be communicated this week, it seems that discussions are still ongoing, leaving the Dutch manager in the dark about his fate.
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag, Manchester United has reportedly been exploring other options for the managerial position. Names like Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank, Graham Potter, and Roberto De Zerbi have been circulating as potential replacements. This suggests that the club is not entirely convinced about keeping Ten Hag at the helm, especially after a disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League, their lowest since 1990.
Another name that has emerged as a contender for the Manchester United job is Gareth Southgate. However, sources indicate that Southgate is currently focused on his role with the England national team and has refused to entertain other offers, at least until after England’s campaign at Euro 2024. This leaves the club in a predicament as they navigate the uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s future and the availability of other potential candidates.
Despite the speculation and the uncertainty surrounding his future, Erik ten Hag remains determined to stay on as the manager of Manchester United. Reports suggest that he even turned down the opportunity to discuss the managerial position at Bayern Munich before they appointed Vincent Kompany. This indicates that Ten Hag is committed to the club and eager to continue leading the team, despite the challenges they faced during the previous season.
As the uncertainty lingers, Manchester United’s preseason preparations are already underway. The team is scheduled to kick off their preseason schedule with a friendly match against Rosenborg in Norway on July 15, before embarking on a summer tour in the United States. The looming decision about Ten Hag’s future adds an additional layer of complexity to the team’s preparations for the upcoming season.
The uncertainty surrounding Erik ten Hag’s future as Manchester United manager has created a sense of anticipation and speculation among fans and pundits alike. As the club continues its deliberations and evaluates potential replacements, the final decision will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the team’s direction and ambitions for the future. Only time will tell what the future holds for Manchester United and their managerial situation.