Erik ten Hag's future hangs in balance as Manchester United board waits for season review

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will face an uncertain future with the side as the club hierarchy completes the end-of-the-season review after a dismal 2023-24 campaign. Despite finishing eighth, the club’s worst finish in the Premier League era, Manchester United added a silver lining to the campaign with the FA Cup win against arch-rivals Manchester City at Wembley Stadium. While nothing is decided yet, ten Hagfaces an uncertain time at the club.

Manchester’s end-of-the-season review

According to an ESPN source, INEOS reviews led by director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford in other sports have typically taken around four days to complete, although United insists there is no time limit. The board has already held talks with several names who are in the mix to be appointed as managers in the summer or the future. The list of names includes Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Frank and Kieran McKenna.

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Although no decision has yet been made on ten Hag’s future, the club has kept all the options open. In case the Dutchman keeps his job but fails to start on the front foot in the 2024-25 season, United could go back to their shortlist of names to replace him. During this phase, United will have the options of Tuchel and Pochettino while both Frank and McKenna will be in charge of their respective Premier League sides.

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However, if United sack ten Hag during the close season, they will have a host of names available, including Gareth Southgate and Roberto De Zerbi. Southgate’s position, however, remains vulnerable as he is committed to the English national side until Euro 2024 at least.

On the flip side, ten Hag boosted his chances of keeping the job last week when he helped his side win the FA Cup. The performance was closely monitored by the hierarchy of the staff, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, but gave no assurance on whether ten Hag remains at the helm.

As things stand, United are likely to wait until the start of pre-season where they could clear the air on who will be the man in charge when the 2024-25 season starts.