Reports have emerged that Manchester United players believe their embattled manager Erik ten Hag is resigned to the sack at the end of the season after noticing a discernible change in his demeanor.
The Dutchman is currently laboring under increasing pressure with speculation rife over his future with United almost guaranteed to miss out on Champions League football next campaign. The mounting pressure doesn’t get any easiere with Sir Jim Ratcliffe plotting sweeping changes this summer which could impact Ten Hag, although a definitive decision has yet to be made regarding his situation.
The Sun claims that Ten Hag’s squad have spotted a different mood radiating from their manager, suggesting he is cognizant of the situation and is aware the writing is already on the wall. Awkwardly, co-owner Ratcliffe has refused to publicly back the embattled 54-year-old while also being oddly reluctant to comment on Ten Hag’s performance to date.
The reports also claim that former Chelsea boss Graham Potter – who has not taken up a new job yet since his sacking by the Blues – is in line to take over , after having turned down a recent offer from Ajax. Potter is admired by Ratcliffe himself, with the Sun alleging that Potter has met with Ratcliffe.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag has been obdurate in shrugging off talk over his future but with United sixth in the Premier League and 11 points adrift of fourth, the sword of Damocles seems to be ominously in position.
United had ignominiously crashed out of the Champions League in the group stage following embarrassing defeats by Galatasaray and minnows Copenhagen. However, they could yet win silverware as their FA Cup dream is still alive with Coventry waiting in the semi-finals, which means United will be favorites to make it to Wembley.