Manchester United

Manchester United 'to make Erik ten Hag decision before end of season'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 12 April 2024

Man Utd 'to make Ten Hag decision before end of season'

Manchester United will make a decision on the future of head coach Erik ten Hag before the end of the season, according to a report.

Manchester United will reportedly make a decision on the future of head coach Erik ten Hag before the 2023-24 campaign has concluded.

The Red Devils have another seven Premier League matches this season, facing Bournemouth, Sheffield United, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 20-time English champions will tackle Coventry City in the semi-finals of the FA Cup next weekend, meanwhile, ahead of a potential final against either Chelsea or Manchester City at the end of next month.

Ten Hag could lead the club to domestic silverware for a second season in a row, having secured the EFL Cup trophy last term, but their hopes of claiming a top-four position in the Premier League table have faded.

Man United are currently sixth in the division, 11 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and also 11 from Aston Villa in fifth, with the spot occupied by Unai Emery's team potentially being enough to claim Champions League football for next term.

Manchester United co owner Jim Ratcliffe is seen in the stands before the match on January 14, 2024 © Reuters

Ten Hag has not been publicly backed by Ratcliffe

Ten Hag has not received public backing from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who recently became the club's new minority shareholder, and the British billionaire is said to be considering bringing in a new head coach this summer.

A number of Man United players have allegedly 'noticed a change in his demeanour', with many believing that Ten Hag has resigned himself to being sacked this summer.

According to Football Insider, the 20-time English champions will make a final call on the Dutchman's future before the end of the current season.

Ten Hag is currently involved in the plans for the summer transfer window, but it is not guaranteed that he will still be at the club heading into the 2024-25 campaign.

Graham Potter is viewed as the favourite to replace Ten Hag, should a change be made, while England head coach Gareth Southgate continues to be linked with the position.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reacts on February 18, 2024 © Reuters

Should Ten Hag be given more time at Old Trafford?

The Dutchman enjoyed a successful 2022-23 campaign at Old Trafford, leading the club to glory in the EFL Cup, while they made the FA Cup final and finished third in the Premier League.

There is no getting away from the fact that it has been a tough season for the club, but Ten Hag has had significant injury problems to deal with and has rarely been able to name his strongest side.

Critics of the Dutchman will point to the absence of a clear playing style, but there has not been a lack of effort from the players on the whole, suggesting that the dressing room is still with him.

There is not a top-level alternative to Ten Hag available for Man United this summer, and there would be huge risks attached to moves for either Potter or Southgate.

Ratcliffe is implementing a new structure at the club, which should aid Ten Hag moving forward, and he deserves to at least be given the opening months of next season to prove that he can help the club in their bid to return to former glories.