Manchester United has opted to fire manager Erik ten Hag following the FA Cup final versus Manchester City. In an echo of United's decision to part ways with Louis van Gaal regardless of lifting the FA Cup in 2016, it has been determined that even defeating City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday has not been deemed enough to save the job of Ten Hag.
The merciless move to change manager is going to be the most major step by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the others since Ineos decided to purchase a minority investment in the team last December and seize ownership of football operations. United, who hired Ten Hag just over two years back, felt obligated to act after finishing eighth in the English Premier League, its lowest position since 1990.
Ten Hag's reputation has suffered as a result of the team's failures this season. United had one more chance to qualify for Europe when they travelled to meet City. The upset versus the champions has given them a spot in the UEFA Europa League, but the hierarchy does not want to make a choice based on a single game.
Who can replace Erik Ten Hag at Manchester United provided that he is fired?
The problem for Ten Hag, who recently said that he is currently meeting with Ratcliffe along with the minority owner's counsel to analyse the season, is going to be to keep his players from being distracted by the speculation about his status. United's focus will soon shift to finding an appropriate successor for the former Ajax coach. They are contemplating Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Kieran McKenna, Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter, and Thomas Frank.
The forthcoming manager will have to work within the new framework that United is implementing. Sir Dave Brailsford, acting CEO Jean-Claude Blanc, and technical director Jason Wilcox are among Ratcliffe's closest advisers. Omar Berrada is set to take over as CEO, and Dan Ashworth as sporting director.