Following the FA Cup Final, Erik ten Hag’s uncertain future at Manchester United was discussed by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag speaks with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola after the FA Cup Final.
According to Pep Guardiola, Manchester United must decide what to do with “extraordinary” manager Erik ten Hag.
With the FA Cup added to the Carabao Cup he won in his first season as manager at Old Trafford, the former Ajax manager—who oversaw Bayern Munich reserves when Guardiola was in charge of the first team—has now managed two trophies in two years. He has, however, also presided over United’s worst league season in recent memory, finishing in eighth place.
Even though Ten Hag’s victory over Guardiola enhances his resume, reports on the eve of the FA Cup Final suggested that Sir Jim Ratcliffe would take over as United’s football operations manager and replace Ten Hag. Should he be removed from his position, the events of 2016 could recur, as Louis van Gaal won the FA Cup before being fired a few days later.
Guardiola has emphasized time and time again how crucial stability is to success, citing City’s lack of a managing director, CEO, or sporting director since 2013. Leading European clubs have already seen a lot of change, as Chelsea, Juventus, and Bayern Munich have all fired their managers.
Guardiola’s contract expires in 2025, so City will have him for at least another season, but it’s unclear if Ten Hag will have another opportunity to defeat him. “They need to make a choice,” Guardiola declared following the game. “He’s an amazing manager as well as a lovely person. As it was for us last season, winning the FA Cup is crucial for them.”
