Manchester United is expected to make a decision regarding the future of manager Erik ten Hag this week, with former Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel reportedly out of the running for the role. This development comes as United's post-season review continues, leaving ten Hag's position uncertain as the club considers its options.
Ten Hag, who has returned from holiday, remains in limbo, awaiting word on whether he will continue as manager for a third season. Despite leading United to FA Cup victory last month, securing his second major trophy in as many seasons, an eighth-place finish in the Premier League and a lackluster European campaign have cast doubts over his tenure.
Former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, Brentford's Thomas Frank, and Graham Potter have been among the names linked to the Old Trafford hotseat. However, sources suggest that Pochettino is unlikely to replace ten Hag, as he prefers to remain in the Premier League but not necessarily with United. The club's co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and the hierarchy are still conducting their end-of-season review, which has prolonged the uncertainty surrounding ten Hag's future.
Sky Sports News reported in May that England manager Gareth Southgate was approached about the possibility of managing United, but he expressed no interest in the role, focusing solely on his duties with the national team. Southgate maintains a good relationship with INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford and incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth, which led to the speculation.
Kaveh Solhekol, Sky Sports News chief reporter, noted, "We know who won't be in charge of Manchester United next season, and that's Thomas Tuchel. According to Tuchel's camp, he wants to take a little break from football. From Manchester United's point of view, the narrative would be that they don't want to make Tuchel their next manager if they decide to replace ten Hag."
Ten Hag, despite the swirling rumors, remains realistic about his future. "I don't think about this. I'm in a project, and we are exactly where we want to be," he stated. "We are constructing a team, and when I took over, it was a mess at Man Utd. We are now on our way to constructing a team for the future. There will be ups and downs, but you see, the team is developing, the team is winning, and at the end of the day, it is about winning trophies."
Meanwhile, the uncertainty around ten Hag's position has led to a broader discussion about United's future direction and leadership. The club has been grappling with higher costs and slower-than-expected revenue growth, partly due to delays in 737 MAX aircraft deliveries from Boeing, which have also impacted other airlines like United Airlines.
Raymond James analyst Savanthi Syth commented, "We are not surprised by the activist interest in Southwest given the very strong franchise with valuable tangible and intangible assets." This sentiment underscores the broader challenges and potential shifts within the airline industry and how external pressures can influence corporate strategies.
As United's post-season review nears its conclusion, the focus remains on resolving the managerial uncertainty. Ten Hag, who has a year left on his contract, awaits clarity on his future, with the club's decision expected to impact not only his career but also the broader strategic direction of Manchester United.
The summer transfer window, opening on June 14, coincides with Euro 2024, adding another layer of complexity to United's planning. The club must navigate these turbulent waters carefully, balancing immediate needs with long-term goals.
