Man United staff suggest Erik ten Hag alternative for FA Cup final vs Man City

Manchester United staff have suggested an alternative to Erik ten Hag should be depart before the end of the season.

The Reds have three Premier League games remaining this season and then an FA Cup final against Manchester City on 25 May.

Reports have understandably suggested that the Ten Hag’s role at the club is safe until after the Wembley bout.

However, recent form has somewhat thrown that into question. United have won only once in normal time in their last nine fixtures.

Though they have won twice in the FA Cup through extra time and penalties against Liverpool and Coventry City, their form is far from where you’d like it to be when you’re approaching a cup final.

Most recently, United were defeated in emphatic fashion by Crystal Palace, who won 4-0 against Ten Hag’s side on Monday evening.

Man United staff’s suggestion

According to a report from MailOnline, it seems increasingly unlikely that Ten Hag will survive beyond the end of the season. Club insiders have spoken about how the sense of uncertainty has seeped into the dressing room and undermined the Dutchman’s position.

It was added that this has been affecting their response to his instructions in matches and training.

While INEOS appear set to let him stay in charge for the rest of the season, the report explained that it has been suggested among staff that Steve McClaren could step in as caretaker if the situation goes into meltdown.

United’s remaining league fixtures include games against Arsenal, Newcastle United and Brighton. It is reasonable to expect Ten Hag’s side to come out with zero wins going into the FA Cup final.

FA Cup final hopes

A ‘new manager bounce’ could be something that helps United in the Wembley bout, but it seems an unlikely option. Even then, there would be no guarantees against Pep Guardiola’s men, who go into the game as overwhelming favourites.

Ten Hag will also likely have a fitter squad, with Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, and potentially Luke Shaw back in contention for the game.

Whether he leaves or not, Ten Hag could define his time at Old Trafford in this final. A victory would make him the first United manager since Sir Alex Ferguson to win trophies in consecutive seasons.