Erik ten Hag has brushed off reports that he’ll be sacked by Manchester United after the FA Cup final and insists he’s fully focused on winning the game against rivals Manchester City.
Reports on Friday claimed that United have already decided to part ways with Ten Hag no matter the outcome of Saturday’s clash at Wembley, following a turgid, injury-ravaged season that saw the Red Devils record their lowest-ever Premier League finish.
Kieran McKenna, Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel and Thomas Frank are thought to be on a four-strong shortlist of potential replacements, with no secret being made that United are exploring alternatives.
United lifted the Carabao Cup in Ten Hag’s first season in charge and were narrowly beaten by City in the FA Cup final. The two will do battle once more this weekend, with Pep Guardiola’s side again crowned Premier League champions, and defeat for United could force new minority owners INEOS into making a managerial change.
Ten Hag didn’t seem overly concerned in his pre-final press conference, however, chuckling when asked about the reports: “I have nothing to say.
“I am just focusing on the job I have to do and that is first win the game on Saturday and then we are in the project. Keep going in the project.”
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He continued of his ambition: “I came here to win trophies. Saturday I have the next opportunity and we achieved this, earned this opportunity as a team and now we have to go for it.
“In the same time, in the last two years, of course after every season you review it and then we will see where we are in the project and things we have to change.
“We spoke lately about it. Underneath there are very good things – players coming up, players developing, values coming up. And, in the same time, we have on Saturday a big opportunity to win the next trophy.”
United will be without former captain Harry Maguire because of injury but could welcome back a host of other first team players from the treatment table. Among those back in could be Raphael Varane, who if he starts will partner Lisandro Martinez in what will be his final game for the club before leaving on a free transfer.
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