Ex-Man United player says Ten Hag will be sacked regardless of FA Cup outcome

Former Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand believes that Erik ten Hag will be dismissed, regardless of the outcome of the FA Cup final against Manchester City on Saturday, May 25. The Dutch manager has faced a challenging season at Old Trafford, with United finishing eighth in the Premier League and on the verge of missing out on European competition for the next season.

A victory against City could secure a place in the Europa League, but given the strong form displayed by Pep Guardiola’s team in recent months, it seems unlikely that an inconsistent United side could defeat them.

“The more I think about it, win or lose, I don’t think Ten Hag will be there next season,” Ferdinand stated.

Fans have gradually lost patience with Ten Hag, who has struggled to impose his authority on the team. Despite being in charge for two seasons, United still lacks a distinct playing style. The team appears unstable, with the only noticeable tactic being long balls forward under Ten Hag’s management.

“I’m not saying that’s what I want; I’m just saying what I believe will happen, and I think the club will look elsewhere,” added the former United defender.

“I don’t think winning the FA Cup changes anything in the eyes of INEOS. I haven’t spoken to anyone there; this is just my assumption. I keep saying this, I sound like a broken record: the performance level can drop, but your style of football should be identifiable. It’s not,” he continued.

Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group, which recently acquired a 25 percent stake in United, is expected to assert its authority over the club, and removing an underperforming manager seems to be a likely move.

After United’s final home match of the season, Ten Hag was booed by the fans as he tried to rally them before the FA Cup final.

Following Ten Hag’s speech, United’s key player Bruno Fernandes hinted at internal issues, giving a vague response about his future at the club. Fernandes stated he would remain only if the upper management wanted him to stay.