Erik ten Hag confident on Man United future despite betting odds suggesting imminent sacking: ‘We go for next season’

Erik ten Hag claims plans are in place for him to “go for next season” with Manchester United ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup final against Manchester City, despite reports circulating today claiming the Dutchman is set to be relieved of his duties at Old Trafford regardless of the outcome of tomorrow’s clash.

ten Hag, who has completed two seasons in the dugout at Old Trafford, guided the side to a disappointing eighth-placed finish this season, following an impressive run to third in his first campaign in charge of the side. 

However, amid continued speculation over his imminent future at United, reports revealed today how the side has already decided to part ways with the former Ajax manager ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup final against neighbours, City, regardless of the match’s outcome. 

And with the sack race hotting up in terms of betting on ten Hag’s immediate future – a host of managerial candidates are available on a Czech website for Slovaks to replace the Dutchman, in what promises to be a huge summer 2024 period for Man United. 

Speaking with press ahead of tomorrow’s final at Wembley clash with Premier League winners, City, ten Hag – who was questioned about his immediate future prior to today’s reports of his imminent sacking, the former claimed he would take his holiday on Sunday following the final, and was preparing to “go for next season” with the club.

“No, we already did that,” Erik ten Hag replied to questions about whether talks were set to commence next over his future at the club. “Sunday, I go on holiday. I think I deserved it. …We go for next season.”

“We are together,” ten Hag explained. “They are (Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford) – since January – part of this club and they want us to win trophies. The club did not win so many trophies in the last 10 years, so now we have a second opportunity in two years. It is a big opportunity to win another trophy.” 

And stressing his desire to achieve a top-four finish at Old Trafford next season if afforded another go-round with United, ten Hag remained adamant that if were not for an injury-ridden season, the club would be playing UEFA Champions League football next season.

“We are definitely competitive for top four,” ten Hag explained. “But the competition, the Premier League, there are many teams in this moment who battle for the top four. But we are definitely in there. Also, we would have been this season – if the players would have been available. But that is the biggest thing that has to change, that players over the course of the season are available.” 

As things stand, however, ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup final, ten Hag’s leading potential successor has been identified as Ipswich Town head coach, Kieran McKenna – who guided ‘The Tractor Boys’ to back-to-back promotions in the form of Premier League football next season. 

The Fermanagh native was a part of the coaching setup during both tenures under Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solsksjaer at Man United, and has heavily impressed since taking the reigns at Ipswitch – drawing interest from current manager-less sides, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Chelsea.