Breaking News: Jim Ratcliffe makes manager decision as candidates to replace Erik ten Hag ranked

Erik ten Hag’s future remains a matter of fierce debate (Image: Getty Images)

Manchester United has a hectic domestic season finale ahead of them, and Erik ten Hag is under increasing pressure to qualify for the Champions League.

When Manchester United’s players return to club action on Saturday, they will all be aware of the magnitude of the stakes as they wrap up their international break obligations.

On Saturday night, United will play their first game back at the Gtech Community Stadium against Brentford. Erik ten Hag’s team will understand what is expected of them to maintain pressure or just stay in touch, having played at home earlier in the day against both Aston Villa and Spurs, two of their top four rivals.

Erik ten Hag’s future may significantly depend on how the team performs in the remaining games of the season. Champions League play would probably go a long way toward persuading Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the new part-owner, that Ten Hag is the right guy for the job in the dugout.

Mirror Football’s analysis of the events in Manchester this week centers on managerial discussions. These are your most recent Old Trafford lines.

Ratcliffe to leave it up to Berrada Ten Hag’s destiny

Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United at the end of this season will be decided by Omar Berrada, the new CEO of the team. The choice will be made by Berrada, who will take over in the summer after completing his gardening leave from City Football Group. Berrada is the new part-owner of United.

The Manchester Evening News reports that Ratcliffe is pleased to assign that specific decision. Ten Hag, who defeated Liverpool in the FA Cup quarterfinals to secure a stay of execution, is probably going to be given at least the remainder of the season, according to the same publication.

Even though Villa only has nine games left, United is nine points behind Aston Villa in fourth place and six behind Spurs in fifth with ten games left. Ten Hag’s Old Trafford contract is set to expire at the end of the 2024–25 campaign, but there have been rumors that he may choose to extend it.

Focus is on United’s shortlisted managers.
Reports have surfaced indicating that United has shortlisted up to ten managers as possible successors to Erik ten Hag, raising concerns about the Dutchman’s future. These comprise both employed and unemployed bosses, as well as a combination of club and foreign experience.

Ten Hag, who had no prior Premier League experience, joined in 2022 after making an impression with Ajax. While not all ten men have managed in England previously, those who have would come with impressive resumes.

Graham Potter is reportedly one of the managers being considered by Manchester United ( Image: PA)

Mirror Football has investigated the reasons behind Ratcliffe’s potential interest in each of the ten names. Every boss has a ranking of 10 as well, with some doing better than others.

Arsenal legend remembers Ferguson’s gesture
Bob Wilson, a former goalkeeper for Arsenal, has shared his thoughts on Sir Alex Ferguson’s reaction to the death of his 31-year-old daughter. Shortly after the death of his daughter Anna, Wilson—who was a member of the coaching staff at the Gunners—got a call from Ferguson, the manager of United.

“The phone rang three nights after Anna passed away. “Hello Bob, this is Alex.” “Alex?” was my thought. Yeah, Alex Ferguson, that’s who he was,” Wilson said to The Telegraph. “You seem to be holding up, but where’s [Wilson’s wife] Megs?” he asked me. Then he spent twenty minutes talking to her. I will always remember that.

After being married for almost 60 years and establishing the Willow Foundation in honor of their daughter, Wilson’s wife Megs passed away in late 2023. Ferguson, 82, was present at St. Albans Cathedral for Megs’ memorial service.