Erik ten Hag delay theory emerges over Manchester United manager decision as confession made

Current Manchester United news: As they continue to assess the 2023–24 season, Ineos is still in negotiations with manager Erik ten Hag. A theory has emerged over the lack of a decision.

Erik ten Hag is still waiting to discover whether he will remain at Manchester United (Image: Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

As they continue to assess the 2023–24 campaign, Manchester United and manager Erik ten Hag are still in exclusive talks.

Despite United’s lowest-ever Premier League position of eighth, their unexpected 2-1 victory against Manchester City in the FA Cup Final strengthens the case for keeping Ten Hag for another season. While some would contend that the season has been too bad for the Dutchman to continue, others have argued that he deserves a shot in a real football framework under Ineos.

A decision is anticipated soon, but there is growing rumour that the team is still considering alternative options, with Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel being two of the more prominent names connected. The most recent media reports on United are included here, along with an analysis of each one.

The Southgate dilemma at United
According to The Independent, Ineos’ “priority choice” to take over as United manager is England manager Gareth Southgate, a move that has complicated things. The Three Lions manager reportedly has concerns that it could divert attention away from England, so he won’t talk about his future until after Euro 2024.

According to reports, Southgate would be amenable to the United position, but he won’t hold any negotiations until the middle of July. Ten Hag is reportedly seeking for greater clarity over his future, but the club’s administration is hesitant to make such a significant choice quickly.

McKenna supports Ten Hag
Although he was for sale last summer, Scott McTominay, a graduate of the United youth, had a breakthrough season under Ten Hag and emerged as a vital player for the team. As he assumed a more forward role and scored 10 goals in 32 Premier League games, the Scotland international helped Ten Hag at various periods during the season by relieving pressure.

In the midst of severe scrutiny on his employment, McTominay, who also started the FA Cup Final, has praised Ten Hag and insisted that the Dutchman earned the victory at Wembley.

People are occasionally free to express their thoughts and say anything they choose. We stayed together, even though City is a fantastic team,” he said to the Daily Mail.

“More times like that is what I want.” After watching that FA Cup Final, I thought to myself, “You know what, I want more of that.” That’s what drives me. Erik deserves all the praise. It’s challenging because of the media. Given the size of the team, that is true for every manager of Manchester United. That’s just typical, but he’s handled it wonderfully.

“I am so happy for him—he truly deserves the FA Cup.” When you succeed when everyone else is writing you off, it’s not easy. It has a significant impact on the atmosphere of confidence and feeling in the area. As players, we are aware of the club’s size. Positive or negative, everything that comes our way is what we anticipate.”