Man Utd are unlikely to make a decision on Erik ten Hag’s future any time soon (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United are stuck in limbo over Erik ten Hag’s future as manager due to their impending ownership change, according to reports.
Ten Hag is under massive pressure at Old Trafford after the Red Devils finished bottom of their Champions League group, while the club are sixth in the Premier League after being smashed 3-0 at home by AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.
It has been reported that United have been looking at possible replacements, with former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui thought to be a ‘strong candidate’, while Zinedine Zidane, Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi have also been linked.
But according to The Athletic, it is currently ‘extremely unlikely’ that Ten Hag will be sacked given that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has agreed a deal to buy a 25 per cent stake in the club, has still not had his purchase signed off by the Glazer family.
Joel Glazer would normally have the final say on the future of a United manager but with Ratcliffe and his INEOS team waiting in the wings to take control of the club’s football operations, there is a ‘power vacuum’ which has delayed a decision.
Patrick Stewart only recently became United’s chief executive on an interim basis and it is thought that it would be ‘unfathomable’ for him to back Ten Hag’s possible dismissal after working in his temporary post for only a month.
That leaves United stuck with a manager who has faced criticism over his signings, style of football, decision to make Bruno Fernandes captain and treatment of certain players – including Jadon Sancho.
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Ten Hag enjoyed a positive debut season at the helm last term, guiding United to glory in the Carabao Cup, while they also finished as runners-up in the FA Cup and third in the Premier League.
But the Red Devils have struggled this season with Ten Hag’s side currently 10 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
United return to action on Sunday as they travel to Anfield to face Jurgen Klopp’s team, who humiliated them 7-0 last season.