Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s sophomore season in England has turned out to be a nightmare with the club currently fighting to qualify for next season’s Europa League.
The Red Devils are sixth with only 54 points, a mammoth 30 points off the top, and are in real danger of finishing in their lowest-ever position.
The 20-time English league champions exited Europe after an embarrassing last place group stage finish while their defence of the Carabao Cup ended in the Round of 16.
Despite reaching back-to-back FA Cup finals, the team’s style of play this season has been a constant source of criticism with Ten Hag refusing to back down from his principles even though they are clearly not working.
EtH’s uncertain future
Even though the former Ajax manager has insisted he retains the support of the board, if the Wembley showpiece ends in defeat again, new co-owners INEOS might just pull the plug with the Dutchman already being eyed by Ajax and Bayern Munich.
Links have emerged with quite a few available managers but most recent reports seem to be suggesting Thomas Tuchel is the new favourite for the hot seat.
The 50-year-old has already decided to step down from his position as Bayern Munich manager at the end of the season.
Bundesliga transfer expert Christian Falk has claimed the German manager wants to return to working in the Premier League but with the Bavarian giants still fighting for the Champions League, his focus is fully on Bayern at the moment.
“The new owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has a lot of respect for Thomas Tuchel, and Tuchel is still interested in the United job, so this could be a big topic if Erik ten Hag is sacked and as soon as Bayern Munich’s involvement in the Champions League ends,” Falk wrote in his CaughtOffside column.
However, The Times have reported that the new minority owners are aware of concerns with regards to the former Chelsea manager and his penchant for falling out with senior figures at the club.
Tuchel concerns
However, INEOS are of the opinion that with a fully-functional backroom staff in place, the structure will allow the new manager to thrive and they do not envisage a problem with Tuchel if he does indeed come in.
“There have been some concerns expressed about Tuchel’s apparent clashes with his previous employers both in England and Germany.”
“But the structure being built by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos, the new United co-owners who have taken control of the football operations at Old Trafford, could perhaps eradicate those issues.”
It will be interesting to see which direction INEOS take with regards to the managerial situation. What if United win the FA Cup? What if Tuchel ends up staying at Bayern? How will the club respond if some other big-name manager like Zinedine Zidane becomes available?
A lot of questions and we will need to wait until the season ends to find out the answers.
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