Fabrizio Romano claims Erik ten Hag’s future rests on FA Cup final | OneFootball

The pressure is piling on Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag as his team gears up to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 25.

Following what has been a tumultuous season, criticism of Ten Hag’s managerial performance has reached fever-pitch, with fans and pundits expressing dissatisfaction with the Dutchman.

Club legend Rio Ferdinand made his feelings on Ten Hag’s tenure known, stating: “Put injuries aside, the performances of the team have been so bad. Most teams have had injuries, maybe not to the same extent as Man United.”

He went on to criticise the team’s playing style or lack thereof, continuing: “I keep saying this, I sound like a broken record: performance level can drop but your style of football should be there to identify. It’s not. I don’t know what we are. I don’t know who we are. Who are we as a team? What are we?”

In Ferdinand’s eyes, Ten Hag’s fate is already sealed. He believes that new co-owners INEOS have seen what they need to and will dismiss the Dutch manager from his position when the time comes.

Ferdinand is not alone in his assessment, with former Aston Villa and Everton chief Keith Wyness admitting that he feels that Ten Hag is not the right fit for United.

After a period of uncertainty, Fabrizio Romano has finally delivered a concrete answer regarding how he expects Ten Hag’s future to pan out.

While Romano assured that previous reports in February and March were true about Ten Hag being involved in discussions with INEOS over the club’s future, the tone at Old Trafford has since changed.

Regarding Ten Hag’s chances of retaining his job following a torrid season, Romano had this to say: “At the moment it’s completely open – it’s a 50-50 situation for Ten Hag.”

He also provided a deadline for the decision on Ten Hag’s future, confirming: “After the Wembley final there will be a decision on the coach, so Ten Hag knows how important it will be.”

Romano claimed that while victory against favourites City side is not expected, a “proper mentality” on the pitch will go a long way in influencing the club’s faith in Ten Hag’s abilities.

Victory would mean everything for Ten Hag – not only in terms of keeping his job but also seeking revenge following United’s 1-2 loss last time out.

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