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Manchester United manager Erik ten Haag is reportedly growing frustrated with the indecision over his future and fears the club’s transfer plans are being hampered.
United’s end-of-season review that is expected to determine Ten Hag’s fate in the Old Trafford dugout is now in its third week and there appears to be no end in sight.
Ten Hag’s position at United is now more uncertain than ever. His situation has not been helped by the fact that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are believed to have been in contact with representatives of his potential replacements, including Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Kieran McKenna, Gareth Southgate, Roberto De Zerbia and Thomas Franco.
It emerged at the weekend that Tuchel had ruled himself out of the running to succeed Ten Hag after holding talks with Ratcliffe in Monaco.
McKenna has also signed a new deal to stay with the Tractor Boys ahead of next season. Meanwhile, a recent report covering The Peoples Person reports that Pochettino is unlikely to be named as United’s next player.
There are also difficulties to navigate if United pursue Southgate. The 53-year-old is set to lead England to Euro 2024 and is unlikely to accept offers before the tournament ends.
United’s options are dwindling fast.
Sky Sports have pointed out that Ten Haag is aware that club bosses have held talks with other managers and while he remains realistic about his claim to stay, the Dutchman remains adamant he can turn things around if given more time in charge.
The Telegraph can now reveal that Ten Hag is becoming exasperated by the protracted end-of-season review and is anxious for a decision on his future to be made as soon as possible.
The paper explains: “Erik ten Haag is increasingly frustrated by the delay in deciding his future at Manchester United, and the manager fears it is affecting the club’s plans.”
“Ten Haag is concerned that if United intend to keep him, the club are already in danger of falling behind in the market this summer and that will affect their prospects next season.”
“Ten Haag was on holiday, taken immediately after the FA Cup final win against Manchester City, and is still waiting to hear if he will continue as manager.”
Jason Burt notes that it is becoming increasingly clear that there is no outstanding first choice if United decide to cut ties with Ten Hague, who has a year left on his current contract.
INEOS is in no rush to announce their decision, but as their review of the 2023/24 campaign. continues, they risk losing time with their transfer plans.
This is not a sentiment shared only by Ten Hag and the fans.
It was reported earlier this month that club captain Bruno Fernandes is delaying a call on whether or not he wants to sign a new contract as he wants to know who will be the next manager if not Ten Haag.
United’s moves in the market have already been affected by the indecision over Ten Hague. Tosin Adarabioyo – who recently became the latest in the Chelsea ranks – was delighted to join United but wanted to clarify the managerial situation first.
United relented and the highly-rated centre-back ended up signing for Chelsea.
Ratcliffe and INEOS cannot afford this saga to continue any longer. Everyone including the fans, players, transfer targets and Ten Hag himself deserve some transparency in what is going on and ultimately, a quick resolution.
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