Manchester United

Manchester United's Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'sets date for Erik ten Hag showdown talks'

By Carter White | 26 May 2024

Man United's Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'sets date for Ten Hag showdown talks'

Manchester United will reportedly decide the future of head coach Erik Ten Hag next week, when a detailed review into the 2023-24 campaign is set to be completed.

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to decide Erik ten Hag's future at the club next week, following a review into the season.

The 2023-24 campaign came to a close for the Red Devils on Saturday afternoon, when they unexpectedly defeated local rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

Facing the Premier League-winning Citizens, it was United's Carrington kids who did the damage on the biggest stage, with Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo netting in the first half.

A second-period onslaught of pressure was inevitable from Pep Guardiola's side as they looked to keep their double dreams alive, however despite Jeremy Doku's late strike, the Red Devils held on for a 13th FA Cup triumph.

Amid the scenes of jubilation for Man United at the home of English football, there were still plenty of questions surrounding the future of head coach Ten Hag.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag shakes hands with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe after winning the FA Cup on May 25, 2024 © Reuters

Man United to decide Ten Hag future next week?

According to The Athletic, Man United have a timeline in place concerning when the future of head coach Ten Hag will be resolved ahead of the new campaign.

The report claims that the Red Devils will seal the fate of the Dutchman next week, when a detailed review into the 2023-24 season will be carried out.

Man United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS sporting director Sir David Brailsford will reportedly lead the post-mortem, in consultation with Ten Hag.

After 38 matches of the Premier League term, Man United ended up on 60 points, meaning that they finished eighth in the top-flight standings - their worst placement in over 30 years.

Despite a host of injuries forcing Ten Hag to field unorthodox XIs on many occasions this season, even the Dutchman admitted the club had endured a "rubbish campaign" regardless of the FA Cup success.

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna on April 30, 2024 © Reuters

Man United 'in contact with Ten Hag replacements'

Although it is stated that the future of Ten Hag has not yet been sealed, there is an understanding that the Red Devils are ongoing in their search for a potential replacement.

After guiding Ipswich Town from League One to the Premier League in the space of two seasons, it is believed that Kieran McKenna is in contention to take charge at Old Trafford.

Having formerly managed United's Under-18s and Under-19s squads, it is said that the Red Devils are in contact with McKenna's camp over a possible return to the club.

There have also been suggestions that Thomas Tuchel has been made a top target to replace Ten Hag at the Theatre of Dreams, with the German available following his exit from Bayern Munich.