Ten Hag sack? Bad news for ‘bemused’ Man Utd boss as Romano confirms fresh ‘meetings’ over replacement
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have “had discussions with the representatives of other managers” in recent days, which is a poor omen for Erik ten Hag’s job security.
The Red Devils had a successful debut season under Ten Hag, with his team reaching the FA Cup final, winning the League Cup, and finishing in the top four of the Premier League.
Initially, his second season was a catastrophe, with Manchester United finishing ninth and being knocked out of Europe before Christmas after placing last in their Champions League group.
Some believe that winning the FA Cup implies Ten Hag will have another good season, but others find it difficult to forget the terrible performances and results leading up to the final.
And Romano’s comments on Tuesday are concerning for Ten Hag, with the transfer specialist stating that Manchester United has been contacting other managers in recent days.
In his Caught Offside column, Romano stated, “We’re still waiting on Manchester United’s ultimate decision on Erik ten Hag, with new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe likely to be pivotal on this.” However, I can confirm that Man United has met with the agents of several managers in recent days.
“Thomas Tuchel is one manager who is interested in the position, but there are other applicants as well, with United wanting to ensure they have alternative choices if Ten Hag is fired. This week is critical; a decision will be made on whether to maintain Ten Hag or make a change, but one thing is certain: United is keeping contacts open for a prospective successor.”
According to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, Ten Hag hopes to learn out this week if Manchester United will keep him or not.
Solhekol said: “Manchester United’s attitude was that they would do an end-of-season evaluation. That began a week ago, and they will review everything that transpired over the season.
“You would assume they’d make a choice on whether to maintain Erik ten Hag, who has another year on his contract, or replace him.
“Ten Hag has gone on vacation and is waiting to find out what will happen. According to my knowledge, he hopes to find out whether he will be remaining or leaving this week.
“If he is to go, his contractual status must be resolved. But he is a sought-after man, and he wants to return to management as soon as possible if United decide he is not a good fit.
“These new minority owners have been in place since January, so you’d think they’d have a fairly clear notion of how they feel about Ten Hag. They interact with him at the training field and monitor the team’s performance.
“You would understand if Ten Hag was perplexed by what was going on: ‘The season is concluded, why am I being left out to dry and not being told what is going on?’
