Manchester United have decided to sack Erik ten Hag after the FA Cup final against Manchester City, regardless of the result. The decision echoes the club's dismissal of Louis van Gaal in 2016 despite winning the same trophy. Ten Hag's fate was sealed after a disappointing campaign that saw United finish eighth in the Premier League, their lowest position since 1990.
The move is the most significant since Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos took a minority stake in December and assumed control of football operations. Faith in Ten Hag has dwindled due to the team's struggles, including a bottom-place finish in their Champions League group and heavy defeats to Bournemouth and Crystal Palace. Even victory over City at Wembley would not save the Dutchman.
United are now focusing on a replacement, with Thomas Tuchel considered the frontrunner. Exploratory talks have been held with Mauricio Pochettino, and representatives of Ipswich's Kieran McKenna have been contacted. Other candidates include Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter, and Thomas Frank. The new manager will work under a restructured hierarchy featuring Sir Dave Brailsford, Jean-Claude Blanc, and Jason Wilcox.
Ten Hag's tenure has been marred by poor signings, including Antony (£86m) and Rasmus Højlund, while injuries to key players like Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire hampered his tactics. Despite winning the Carabao Cup last season and finishing third, this season's chaos—squandering leads and conceding late goals—proved decisive. Ten Hag, who clashed with players, insisted he deserved a holiday after the final, but United's review will seal his exit.
