.png)
8 months ago
55 
Interest is building in the potential managerial vacancy at Manchester United, with Ineos Sports group reportedly unsure about whether to back Erik ten Hag as manager beyond this season if the Reds miss out on Champions League qualification.
The pressure increased following the 3-1 derby defeat to Man City on Sunday, which left United eleven points adrift of fourth-place Aston Villa in the Premier League table. Ten Hag is fully aware that his side are playing catch up but they cannot afford more defeats, even though there are some challenging fixtures coming our way between now and the end of the season.
According to ESPN, Ten Hag has been fully involved in planning for the summer – both in terms of identifying targets for the transfer window and organising the pre-season tour – but the 54-year-old has not yet been given any assurances from new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe that he will be in charge next season.
The report also suggests that the uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s future has led to approaches from managers (both in jobs and unemployed) to find out whether there will be a vacancy.
Rob Dawson reports: “United, according to sources, have taken on board information about what different coaches have planned for the future, and what other interest there is in acquiring their services, but there have been no formal discussions with any candidates.”
Earlier today, Fabrizio Romano reported that United have not made contact with former Real Madrid player and manager Zinedine Zidane, despite numerous reports suggesting that the Frenchman was a candidate admired by Ratcliffe.
Let us know in the comments section if you think United should be backing Ten Hag into a third season.
Subscribe to the Stretty News podcast Strettycast for weekly episodes on Manchester United. You can also sign up to the ad-free Stretty Newsletter. Get the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.

