Manchester United staying silent on Erik ten Hag future despite expectation he will be sacked

Manchester United are still refusing to comment on Erik ten Hag's position amid reports he will be sacked after the FA Cup final.

United sources have reiterated their focus is on Saturday's final against City and they are not going to be distracted by speculation. United insist they will review the season after the City game and will not make a decision on Ten Hag before then.

External sources have expected Ten Hag to be sacked for weeks as United failed to secure qualification for the Champions League. On the four occasions United have not qualified for the competition, they have changed manager either during or at the end of the season.

Despite United's stance, the club have assessed potential candidates to replace Ten Hag for a number of months. Roberto De Zerbi was among the coaches considered earlier this year and United have recently contacted representatives of the Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna.

Former Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino, sacked by Chelsea in midweek, would both relish the chance to manage United.

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Pochettino has coveted the United job for years and the majority of the players were in favour of Pochettino taking over in the summer of 2022. United's then-football director John Murtough opted for Ten Hag.

Ten Hag has appeared to be on borrowed time for several weeks and United ended the Premier League season in eighth, their lowest finish since 1990. United also had a minus goal difference.

United have failed to qualify for any of the European competitions through the league but could participate in the Europa League next season if they win the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Yet United's run to the cup final was blighted by the fortuitous progression past Championship side Coventry City on a penalty shootout in the semi-finals. United were 3-0 up in the 70th minute but were taken to extra-time after Coventry scored three goals in 24 minutes.

Support for Ten Hag tumbled over the manner of the semi-final success but United's matchgoers have been noticeably supportive, even in defeat, in recent weeks.