Erik ten Hag’s future as Manchester United manager is looking bleak, according to former Premier League striker Chris Sutton. Despite reaching the FA Cup final, United needed penalties to secure a victory against Championship side Coventry, despite leading 3-0 with 20 minutes remaining. This disappointing result, coupled with their seventh-place standing in the Premier League and elimination from the Champions League group stage, has led Sutton to believe that there is no way back for Ten Hag.
Shay Given, former Newcastle and Manchester City goalkeeper, echoed Sutton’s sentiments, stating that “the writing is definitely on the wall” for Ten Hag. Given highlighted Ten Hag’s apparent lost demeanor on the touchline and the current noise surrounding the club as indicators of his impending departure.
The match against Coventry showcased United’s recurring issue of losing control in games. After dominating for 70 minutes, they allowed their opponents to come back into the match and eventually equalize. Sutton believes this performance mirrors United’s struggles throughout the season, where they have struggled to regain control once it is lost.
Ten Hag himself admitted that his team “got away with one” and acknowledged their inconsistency in performances. He emphasized the need for improvement and teaching his players to perform better in crucial moments. However, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes that winning trophies should not be underestimated and that if United were to win the FA Cup, it would be difficult to sack Ten Hag.
Despite the pressure on Ten Hag, some supporters draw comparisons to Mikel Arteta’s tenure as Arsenal manager. Arteta won the FA Cup in his first season but also had two disappointing league finishes before acquiring the squad he wanted. Supporters argue that Ten Hag’s win percentage is similar to Arteta’s, suggesting that the situation may not be as dire as recent performances have indicated.
As Manchester United undergoes a complete overhaul in their backroom team with new appointments and potential signings, Ten Hag’s future hangs in the balance. The FA Cup final against Manchester City may prove to be a decisive moment for Ten Hag’s tenure at the club.