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Manchester United’s FA Cup success at Wembley last Saturday managed to salvage something from an otherwise miserable second season under Erik ten Hag.
The Dutch manager recorded United’s lowest ever Premier League record, which included some bizarre tactical performances throughout the campaign.
A decision on Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford is due to be announced within the next week, with INEOS currently conducting an end-of-season review.
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, it is important that the new minority owners are firm in their decision on a manager, and a busy few months are expected.
Former United defender Gerard Pique has called on the board to decide whether to hang on to Ten Hag as soon as possible, with staff, fans and players seeking clarification on the situation.
“I think the United board really need to figure out what they want for the club in the next few years and really, if they believe in Ten Hag or not, they have to make a decision,” Pique said.
Asked if he believed Ten Hag deserved another year in the dugout, the World Cup winner was diplomatic in his response but said United must fight for the Premier League title.
“Well, it’s hard to say really because it’s true that they won the cup at the same time, it’s also true that they’re not fighting for the Premier League which I think has to be one of Manchester United’s goals at some point,” he added.
Had United lost the cup final, INEOS’ decision would have been easier, but Ten Haag cemented his position after planning a good game against favorites Manchester City.
With the FA Cup win came qualification for next season’s Europa League, and Ten Hag will be desperate for another crack at Europe, as well as improving United’s position in the league.
A number of names have been linked with the announcement should INEOS decide to move the 54-year-old, with Ten Haag meanwhile facing an impatient wait.
If the FA Cup was the last hurray for the former Ajax boss, it would be a good way to bow out, having become the first manager to secure back-to-back trophies for the club since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.
