Manchester United’s review of their season and Erik ten Hag’s future as manager is still ongoing, over two weeks after their FA Cup final victory against Manchester City. Despite speculation that Ten Hag would be sacked regardless of the outcome, he stood his ground and expressed his belief that the new co-owners, Ineos, wanted to rebuild the club with him. However, it was later revealed that the review would assess the entire season, including the manager’s future.
Many expected the review to be completed by now, but Ten Hag’s triumph in the FA Cup final and securing European qualification has complicated matters. He became the first United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to win trophies in consecutive seasons, giving him leverage in his negotiations. He warned the club that if they no longer wanted him, he would go elsewhere and continue winning games and trophies.
While Ten Hag went on holiday, United’s hierarchy began their review, emphasizing that no decision would be made until it was complete. Contrary to assumptions that the review would be swift or merely a formality, United sources stated that there was no timeline set for its completion. As we enter the third week since the review began, there is still no indication of an impending announcement.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag can only wait for a decision. Despite being linked with managerial vacancies at his former clubs Ajax and Bayern Munich, his only interest is managing United, where he still has a year remaining on his contract. Speculation about potential successors has been rampant, with names like Kieran McKenna, Mauricio Pochettino, Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter, and Thomas Frank being mentioned.
Recent reports suggested that Thomas Tuchel had met with Ineos owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco, but Tuchel has reportedly ruled himself out of contention for a vacancy that does not yet exist. It remains unclear whether United will confirm the meeting or comment on the optics surrounding it.
With their players either on international duty or enjoying their summer break, United is under no immediate pressure to make a final decision. Other clubs, like Brighton, have also taken their time in appointing a replacement manager. However, all eyes are on Old Trafford as the uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s future continues. Neither he nor anyone else involved can be certain of the eventual outcome.