Ten Hag may not be saved by beating City at Wembley on Saturday, in a repeat of United firing Louis van Gaal despite winning the FA Cup in 2016.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his friends’ brutal manager replacement will be their biggest move since Ineos bought a minority investment in the club last December and took over football operations. United, who hired Ten Hag two years ago, felt obligated to act after finishing ninth in the Premier League, their worst position since 1990.
This season’s difficulties have eroded Ten Hag’s credibility. United have one last chance to qualify for Europe by beating City, but the hierarchy don’t want to base their choice on one game.
Ten Hag, who has met with Ratcliffe and the minority owner’s counsel, must keep his players focused on his position. United must soon replace the former Ajax manager. They are contemplating Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Kieran McKenna, Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter, and Thomas Frank.
The new manager must adapt to United’s new organization. Sir Dave Brailsford, Jean-Claude Blanc, and Jason Wilcox are Ratcliffe’s close advisers. Omar Berrada will become CEO and Dan Ashworth sporting director.
Tuchel is the leader, but United have reportedly undertaken exploratory conversations with Pochettino. They also contacted McKenna’s reps, who Chelsea and Brighton are targeting.
Since the season began, Ten Hag has been embattled. He has been criticized for his coaching, tactics, and failed signings. After joining from Ajax two years ago, Anthony, the £86m winger, has disappointed, while Rasmus Højlund, the Denmark striker, has struggled this season.
André Onana, the goalkeeper, has been inconsistent since signing from Inter last season, and Casemiro, the Brazil midfielder, has battled to keep up with English football this season. Since leaving Chelsea, Mason Mount has been injured and hardly played.
Ten Hag blames the absence of key players for his methods’ failure. Luke Shaw has missed much of the season at left-back, and Harry Maguire is out of the final. In recent weeks, United has had to utilize Casemiro in central defense.
Indignities have abounded this season. United finished last in their Champions League group, lost 3-0 at home to Bournemouth, and were trashed 4-0 by Crystal Palace this month. The Cup has provided some relief. After overcoming Liverpool 4-3 in the quarterfinals, United blew a 3-0 lead against Coventry City before beating the Championship team on penalties.
