Erik ten Hag is still uncertain about his future at Manchester United despite securing an FA Cup victory, sources told ESPN.
Ten Hag led his team to an unexpected 2-1 win over Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
However, the Dutchman, who began his holiday on Sunday, remains anxious about his position as the club prepares for its end-of-season review.
According to a source, the review will start this week, with Ineos director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford leading the process, which typically takes around four days.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Brailsford, and new technical director Jason Wilcox are dedicated to evaluating every aspect of United’s season, including Ten Hag’s performance and future.
Club sources told ESPN that a final decision on Ten Hag’s future has not yet been made and will depend on the review’s outcome.
The decision will be based on on-field performance and whether Ten Hag fits into the club’s new leadership structure, including accepting a reduced role in player recruitment.
Ten Hag, who has one year left on his contract, wants to stay.
However, sources indicate that informal talks have been held with representatives of Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Kieran McKenna, and Thomas Frank as potential alternatives.
There is also interest in Gareth Southgate, but he remains focused on leading England in this summer’s European Championship.
In his post-match news conference at Wembley, Ten Hag defended his tenure, stating that the team he inherited in 2022 was “a mess” and that winning two trophies is a solid achievement over his two years at Old Trafford.
Nonetheless, sources close to Ten Hag are worried that neither Ratcliffe nor Brailsford have guaranteed his job security, even after the FA Cup win.
Ratcliffe, present at the final with Brailsford, released a brief statement that evening but did not specifically mention Ten Hag.
Those close to Ten Hag doubt that the FA Cup victory has significantly altered Ineos’ perspective on the club’s future, especially after an eighth-place finish in the Premier League.
But sources have told ESPN that victory over City has made the decision harder for Ratcliffe and Brailsford.
A source has told ESPN that if Ten Hag does leave he will go with “his head held high.”
Winning the FA Cup has secured Manchester United a spot in the Europa League next season.
Sources informed ESPN that if Ten Hag is dismissed, he is now entitled to a larger compensation package than he would have been if United had failed to qualify for European competition.