Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has insisted that he and his teammates are not concerning themselves with ongoing speculation about Erik ten Hag’s future.
It has been suggested that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS could make a managerial change come the end of the season amidst United’s extremely poor season. Performances and results have often left a lot to be desired and it’s believed that Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford is hanging in the balance. The Dutchman’s claim to remain in the United hot seat was significantly weakened once more over the weekend as his side blew away a comfortable 3-0 lead in regular time against Coventry City.
United were 3-0 up with 20 minutes left on the clock but completely crumbled when Coventry got their first goal of the match. Mark Robins’ men would go on to add an extra two to force the game into extra time. Luckily for Ten Hag, the Red Devils avoided any further embarrassment as they prevailed in the penalty shootout to book their place in the final where they will face reigning Premier League champions Manchester City. The 20-time English champions have been linked with multiple top coaches who have been tipped to replace Ten Hag, with Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel now the latest candidate said to be in the running for the role.
After the final whistle at Wembley, Fernandes spoke to reporters and was asked about Ten Hag and the possibility of him being sacked. The club skipper said, “That doesn’t have to affect anyone because we have to focus on everything we have this season because we have still chances to get in European positions in the league, we have to finish as high as possible, that’s the main thing. Then we have an FA Cup final to play. So no one has to be worried because it’s not our job to be worried with these things that come from the outside or from the inside or whatever. We have the owners who take care of that, we have the directors and then we players it’s about performing on the pitch and giving our best.”
United’s next assignment is Sheffield United in the Premier League. Sheffield United are battling to beat the drop and will undoubtedly be looking to cause a massive upset by getting a result on Wednesday. Despite limping off at the end against Coventry and having a strapping on his wrist, Fernandes noted that he will be fit and available to play against the Blades.
