Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s potential restructuring at Manchester United has cast uncertainty over Erik ten Hag’s future after a season of underwhelming performances and the club’s lowest-ever Premier League finish.
Ratcliffe, the new co-owner, is reportedly considering a managerial change during his first summer in charge.
There have been rumors, particularly from Italian sources, suggesting that the decision to part ways with Ten Hag has already been made.
However, The Times reports that United has not yet finalized any decision regarding Ten Hag’s fate.
Nevertheless, contingency plans are being prepared in case Ratcliffe and INEOS decide to take a new direction.
Four managers have emerged as leading candidates to potentially replace Ten Hag. Mauricio Pochettino, recently available after his unexpected departure from Chelsea, is on the shortlist.
He is being considered alongside Kieran McKenna of Ipswich Town, Brentford’s Thomas Frank, and Thomas Tuchel, who is set to leave Bayern Munich
The Guardian has named Tuchel as the frontrunner for the position. Tuchel, who previously managed Chelsea, is reportedly eager to return to the Premier League, making him a compelling option for United.
Speculation has increased due to Chelsea’s decision to part ways with Pochettino, prompting them to pursue their own managerial candidates, including McKenna and Frank.
United officials have been actively engaged in discussions with various representatives leading up to the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
These talks are part of a broader review of the club’s direction and are not expected to be influenced by the outcome of the final.
Following the match, a comprehensive season review will be conducted, with Ratcliffe leading the evaluation alongside key figures such as Sir Dave Brailsford, Jean Claude-Blanc, and Jason Wilcox.
Throughout this period, Ten Hag has maintained that he does not foresee an exit from the club this summer.
Despite significant scrutiny, he remains confident that he is the right person to lead United forward. Convincing the new ownership of his vision and capabilities will be crucial in determining his fate.
The pressure on Ten Hag has been mounting throughout the season, exacerbated by a series of injuries and a drop to eighth place in the Premier League standings.
His ability to manage these challenges while striving for positive results has been questioned, and the upcoming review will be critical in deciding whether he will continue at the helm.
As the review process unfolds, Ratcliffe and his team will weigh the merits of potential successors against the current management.
The decision will reflect their vision for United’s future, aiming to restore the club to its former glory. The potential managerial change is poised to be a significant moment for United, marking the beginning of a new era under Ratcliffe’s ownership.