Manchester United players 'fear Erik ten Hag has resigned himself to sack'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 11 April 2024

Man Utd players 'fear Ten Hag has resigned himself to sack'

A number of Manchester United players feel that Erik ten Hag has resigned himself to losing his job as head coach this summer, according to a report.

A number of Manchester United players allegedly believe that Erik ten Hag has resigned himself to losing his job as head coach of the 20-time English champions this summer.

There remains ongoing speculation surrounding Ten Hag's future at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils enduring a difficult 2023-24 campaign, suffering 17 defeats in all competitions.

Man United finished bottom of their Champions League group, while they are currently sixth in the Premier League table, 11 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

The Red Devils have only won one of their last six Premier League matches, and they will enter Saturday's clash with Bournemouth off the back of a 2-2 draw against Liverpool last weekend.

Ten Hag has not been publicly backed by the club's new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and the British billionaire is believed to be giving serious consideration to changing the manager this summer.

Manchester United co owner Jim Ratcliffe is seen in the stands before the match on January 14, 2024 © Reuters

Ten Hag 'resigned to leaving Man United'

Last week, Ten Hag insisted that he has 'no doubts' over his future at Old Trafford, with the Dutchman confident that he will lead the team into the 2024-25 campaign.

However, according to The Sun, a number of the Man United players believe that the ex-Ajax head coach has resigned himself to losing his job this summer.

The report claims that many have 'noticed a change in his demeanour', with Ten Hag feeling the pressure due to the team's difficulties this season.

Man United will be bidding to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they head to the Vitality Stadium on Saturday to tackle Bournemouth.

A top-four/top-five finish at this stage will be difficult, but the Red Devils are still chasing silverware this season, with Coventry City their opponents in the semi-finals of the FA Cup next weekend.

Chelsea head coach Graham Potter during draw with Nottingham Forest on January 1, 2023. © Reuters

Who is in the frame to replace Ten Hag?

Graham Potter has allegedly already met with Ratcliffe, and the ex-Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea manager is seen as the favourite to replace Ten Hag, should a change be made.

The 48-year-old has been without a position since leaving Chelsea in April 2023, taking charge of just 31 matches for the Blues with a record of 12 wins, eight draws and 11 losses.

Potter started his managerial career with Ostersunds FK before taking charge of Swansea City ahead of a move to Brighton, spending three years with the Seagulls.

England head coach Gareth Southgate is also being linked with the role, while there have been suggestions that Thomas Tuchel is being considered, as he prepares to leave Bayern Munich.

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann and Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi are seen as outsiders to potentially replace Ten Hag at the end of the campaign.