Manchester United’s owners will take their time before making a decision about Erik ten Hag’s future, sources have told ESPN.
Ten Hag’s position as manager is at risk following a disappointing season, but new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team have continued to plan for the Dutchman to be in charge for the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25.
– Stream on ESPN+: Watch FA Cup final live on May 25
There is, however, an acceptance that Monday’s humiliating 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace has left the 54-year-old former Ajax boss increasingly vulnerable.
The new football leadership team, including new technical director Jason Wilcox, don’t want to make a “panicked” decision despite increasing pressure following the performance at Selhurst Park.
Ten Hag has a contract at Old Trafford until 2025, but has been given no formal assurances that he will see out the current campaign or be in charge at the start of next season.
There are fears within the club that, after United slipped to eighth in the table, the team’s form is so poor that they risk further embarrassment in their remaining league games with a place in Europe on the line.
United face Arsenal, Newcastle United and Brighton in the Premier League before the campaign ends with the cup final against Man City at Wembley. They will have to finish at least seventh, or win the FA Cup, to earn European football next season.
Hopes of qualifying for the Champions League have already disappeared, but a place in the Europa League or Europa Conference League would provide vital funds and ease the pressure on the club’s finances ahead of the transfer window.
Sources have told ESPN that there is sympathy for Ten Hag, who had to field a makeshift team against Crystal Palace as he deals with a long injury list, but there is also a feeling that recent performances have been particularly alarming.
United have won just two of their last 10 Premier League games, conceding 21 goals in the process.
Bayern Munich have expressed an interest in Ten Hag becoming their new manager, but he has told the Germán giants his preference is to remain at United.
Bayern are looking for a new coach to replace Thomas Tuchel, who will leave the Allianz Arena at the end of the season.
Tuchel, who leads his team in the Champions League semifinal second leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday, is one of the names being considered by United if they cut ties with Ten Hag and have a vacancy to fill in the summer.
