A source within the Manchester United dressing room has revealed how the squad reacted to reports claiming Erik ten Hag will be sacked after the FA Cup final.
Pressure is mounting on Ten Hag, who has led Man United to an underwhelming campaign in the 2023/24 season ahead of today's Wembley Stadium showpiece against Manchester City.
He could salvage the Red Devils' season with a cup win over their cross-town rivals, having finished in eighth place in the Premier League.
But, according to stunning reports, the Dutchman's future at Old Trafford may have already been decided regardless of the result against Pep Guardiola's side.
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe is already considering potential successors, with Thomas Tuchel, Kieran McKenna and Mauricio Pochettino, who left Chelsea by mutual consent this week, all thought to be on the short-list to replace Ten Hag should he be relieved of his duties.
Ten Hag finds himself in a similar position to countryman Lous van Gaal, who was ruthlessly dismissed as Man United boss in 2016 following an FA Cup final victory over Crystal Palace.
According to The Daily Mail, the squad were not surprised to hear reports that their manager will be sacked after two years in charge.
Ratcliffe has refused to give Ten Hag a public vote of confidence since purchasing a minority stake in the club.
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And the 54-year-old was asked if he plans to meet INEOS after the cup final to which he replied: "No, we already did and on Sunday I will go on holiday - I deserve it.
"It is not necessary (to have assurances), we’ll go for next season.
"Of course, we are together. Since January, (INEOS) have been part of this club and they want us to win trophies."
Ten Hag, who guided Man United to Carabao Cup glory last season, will be hoping to get his hands on the FA Cup trophy, but victory over Man City may not be enough to save his job.
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Football
Nasir Jabbar