Breaking News: Erik ten Hag ‘realistic’ on Man Utd future as boss learns club speaking to other managers

Erik ten Hag is still awaiting word on his future at Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag is ‘realistic’ about his Man Utd future. (Image: Getty)

According to sources, Erik ten Hag is optimistic that he can lead Manchester United to a better season should INEOS permit him to stay as manager beyond the summer. He is reportedly aware of the expectations that come with waiting patiently for a decision while positioned in the Old Trafford bench, though.

The third week of INEOS’ season evaluation, which is being directed by Sir Dave Brailsford, has begun since United’s unexpected FA Cup victory against Manchester City.

The huge assumption that Ten Hag would be given his marching orders soon after was thrown into disarray by the Red Devils’ historic day at Wembley Stadium.

According to one source during the build-up, the Dutchman’s dismissal had already been decided, independent of the outcome against City.

However, United’s FA Cup victory was Ten Hag’s second in as many years, having broken a six-year trophy drought with Carabao Cup victory in February 2023.

And that’s given the club’s new decision-makers, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, something to think about carefully as a new chapter begins.

Ten Hag is aware of rumours that suggest United has been in contact with several possible replacements, according to Sky Sports.

According to reports, Ratcliffe only recently met Thomas Tuchel last week. It is also reported that Kieran McKenna, Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank, Graham Potter, and Mauricio Pochettino have been contacted.

Ten Hag will continue working whether or not he is employed by United, the story continues, but he has openly stated that he has always wanted to remain at Old Trafford.

Nevertheless, it’s reported that the Dutchman is aware that he didn’t live up to the hype in the previous year, winning United’s 13th FA Cup.

With 14 losses and a goal differential of -1, the M16 giants finished in eighth place in the Premier League, a record-low position.

They also had the worst record in their Champions League group, winning only one of their six games against Galatasaray, Bayern Munich, and Copenhagen.

Ten Hag is apparently realistic about the circumstances but sure he can lead United to a better campaign if given the chance.

This week is when the 54-year-old’s ultimate decision is anticipated to be made. On Friday, the summer transfer window begins and Germany’s match against Scotland marks the start of Euro 2024 in Munich.

Officials at Old Trafford will be as eager to wrap up the managerial drama as fans are, so all attention can shift to hiring new players.