Rumors Swirl Around Manchester United’s Next Manager as Ten Hag Faces Potential Dismissal
The FA Cup final looms large for Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag potentially managing his last game for the club. As the Red Devils prepare to face Manchester City at Wembley, rumors are intensifying about Ten Hag’s future and a potential successor who believes the job is his.
Manchester United’s players are focused on salvaging something from a tough season, but the atmosphere is clouded by uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag. Despite his preparations for next season, there are strong indications that the club has decided to part ways with him, regardless of the FA Cup final outcome.
Under Ten Hag, United’s season has faltered dramatically. They exited the Champions League in disappointing fashion before Christmas and ended the Premier League campaign in eighth place—their lowest finish since the 1989/90 season. Reports have circulated since March that players have lost faith in Ten Hag, and recent claims suggest that part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ready to dismiss him post-final.
Ten Hag maintains that he plans to take a holiday after the final and believes he will still be in charge next season. However, Ratcliffe seems convinced that a change is necessary after a dismal season. The decision to sack Ten Hag is reportedly based on four key factors.
First, United’s poor performance this season is undeniable, with the club setting an unwanted record of 14 Premier League defeats and conceding 84 goals in all competitions—the most since the 1976/77 season. Secondly, the team has struggled to establish a clear identity, with their chaotic tactics and frequent defensive lapses drawing criticism.
Third, Ten Hag has failed to get the best out of a star-studded squad, many of whom are his signings. Disciplinary issues have also marred his tenure, including high-profile conflicts like the public fallout with Jadon Sancho and issues involving Marcus Rashford.
Lastly, United appears to be moving swiftly due to increased competition for their preferred managerial candidate, Kieran McKenna. The Ipswich Town boss has earned accolades for leading the club from League One to the Premier League in under two years. With Chelsea also eyeing McKenna following their departure from Mauricio Pochettino, United must act quickly.
Reports suggest that McKenna feels confident about securing the United job this summer. Having started his career at Old Trafford as a youth team coach and later as a first-team coach under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, McKenna left to manage Ipswich in December 2021. His current contract runs until 2027, and his compensation is expected to cost United between £4 million and £6 million.
As the FA Cup final approaches, all eyes are on Wembley, where the outcome could signal a new era for Manchester United.