Aoba Tanaka 
More than two weeks have passed since Erik ten Hag led Manchester United to a surprising FA Cup victory over Manchester City, a match widely considered to be his last chance to save his job. Despite the triumph, uncertainty still looms over his future as United’s hierarchy continues a thorough review of the season.
United’s review process began following the unexpected win at Wembley, which secured European qualification for the team. The build-up to the FA Cup final was rife with speculation about Ten Hag’s job security, with many suggesting that the Dutchman would be dismissed regardless of the result due to United’s disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League, their worst since the 1989-90 season.
In an interview in the Netherlands, Ten Hag confidently stated that new co-owners Ineos, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe, had expressed a desire to rebuild the club with him at the helm. However, this claim was somewhat premature, as United remained committed to a comprehensive season review, with Ten Hag’s future being a key component of that evaluation.
Despite expectations from the media and fans that the review would be swift, United’s leadership has emphasized that no timeline was set for its completion. As a result, the process has extended into a third week without any indication of an imminent announcement.
Ten Hag, the first United manager to win trophies in consecutive seasons since Sir Alex Ferguson, used the FA Cup win as an opportunity to remind the club’s executives of his dual mission to win and build a team. “When I started here, I said I am here to win and also that I want to build a team. I am doing both. But if they don’t want me anymore, I will go and win games and trophies somewhere else,” he asserted before heading off on holiday.
The protracted review has left Ten Hag in a state of limbo, with various names being floated as potential successors, including Kieran McKenna, Gareth Southgate, Graham Potter, and Thomas Frank. Recent reports, including those from BBC Sport, suggest that Thomas Tuchel, after meeting with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco, is no longer interested in the United job. Additionally, interest in Mauricio Pochettino, previously considered for the position, has also waned.
With the team’s players either on international duty or enjoying their summer break, there is no immediate pressure on United to finalize their decision. However, the prolonged uncertainty has kept all eyes on Old Trafford, with no clear resolution in sight.
As the review continues, Ten Hag remains focused on his commitment to United, where he still has a year left on his contract. The situation underscores the complexities and pressures of managing one of the world’s most storied football clubs, where success and stability are perpetually scrutinized.
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