Manchester United will take stock of the season next week (the duties of coach Erik ten Hag) before deciding on the next steps for the football club.
The build-up to United’s 2-1 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday was marked by questions about Ten Hag’s future, with the manager later admitting he “didn’t know” if it was his last game in charge.
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United have already begun to contact other candidates, including Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna, as they explore possible replacements for Ten Hag, but have always insisted that a final decision on the Dutchman’s future has not yet been made.
The club’s hierarchy, led by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS director Sir Dave Brailsford, now aims to objectively assess all facets of what Ten Hag described at Wembley as an “unnecessary” campaign.
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United finished eighth in the Premier League but will at least play in Europe next season, as their FA Cup win means they will play in the Europa League. While that doesn’t guarantee the multimillion-dollar providence of Champions League participation, which is English clubs are expected to earn around €70m (£60m; $75m at current exchange rates) next season if they manage to make it through the knockout stages; will continue to be very important for United’s compliance with Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. What will be paid to Europa League clubs next season will amount to €565 million, which could lead the club to almost €40 million in rewards if they do well in the competition.
Following confirmation of INEOS’ 27. 7 per cent stake in United in February, Ratcliffe said it was vital for the club to “move towards the right solution, not rush towards the wrong solution”. As a result, United will begin looking next week into spaces they want to move forward to develop functionality on the pitch, adding Ten Hag’s willingness to evolve, and then on the more productive course of action.
Ten Hag defiant after winning the FA Cup, following his team’s victory in the Carabao Cup in his first season at the helm.
“Two trophies in two years is not bad, 3 finals in two years is not bad,” he said. “If they don’t need me, then I’ll go on to win trophies because that’s what I do. “
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FA Cup Final Report: Manchester City 1 Manchester United 2: An impressive team goal and Ten Hag achieves it
(Photo: John Walton/PA Images Getty Images)