A significant managerial change may be imminent at Manchester United. Sources reveal that club owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has given head coach Erik ten Hag an ultimatum following a disappointing season. Ten Hag must win the next two matches this week to avoid being fired. This revelation has created a buzz at Old Trafford, with discussions about potential successors already underway.
Manchester United has struggled with consistency, experiencing poor results in both domestic leagues and European competitions. After an encouraging first season, expectations were high for Ten Hag’s second, but the team’s underperformance has frustrated fans. Currently, the Red Devils are outside the top four, making their path to Champions League qualification difficult.
Ratcliffe expressed his concerns during a private meeting with board members, emphasizing the need for a clear plan. He reportedly stated, “He must convince us he has a strategy for the team. This might be one of United’s worst seasons. We’ve decided—he must win the two matches this week, or he will be dismissed.” This ultimatum puts immense pressure on Ten Hag to quickly improve results.
Amid this uncertainty, speculation about potential replacements has emerged. Fabrizio Romano reported that the club has reached out to Thomas Tuchel, the former Chelsea manager who led the team to a Champions League title in 2021. Tuchel, currently at Bayern Munich, is interested in a Premier League return, and discussions about his possible appointment have begun.
Additionally, Zinedine Zidane’s name has surfaced as a potential candidate. The French football legend, who enjoyed great success at Real Madrid, is admired by the board for his ability to manage high-pressure situations and his track record of winning trophies. However, it’s uncertain whether he is interested in a position in England, as he may prefer to wait for an opportunity with the French national team.
For Ten Hag, the upcoming matches are crucial for his future at Manchester United. He was hired to revive the club’s fortunes, and while his first season showed promise, injuries and inconsistent performances have derailed this one.
Fans are split on whether Ten Hag should be given more time or if a change is essential to salvage the season. With Ratcliffe and the board taking decisive measures, it’s evident that their patience is waning. The pressure is on Ten Hag to rally his team and secure victories to keep his job.
As this situation develops, all eyes will be on Manchester United. If Ten Hag fails to perform, the club may soon welcome either Tuchel or Zidane as its new manager. The next two matches could determine the direction of both the team’s season and its leadership.
