Manchester United will not remove manager Erik ten Hag before the FA Cup final against Manchester City, despite several players believing the Dutchman’s fate is already decided.
United’s dismal 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday night has intensified pressure on the manager as the club continues to set records for mediocrity.
Their 13th defeat of the season is a new record, with the club striving to avoid their lowest points total of the Premier League era – currently four points off the 58 they managed in the 2021-22 season.
United could still salvage their season when they face City on May 25 at Wembley, in a repeat of last year’s final where Pep Guardiola’s side secured a 2-1 victory.
However, with United’s form deteriorating rapidly, there have been calls for the manager to be replaced before that date,
Ten Hag has not received firm assurances over his long-term future at Old Trafford since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team, led by Sir Dave Brailsford.
But for now, his position is secure, with United not intending to replace him before this month’s cup final, The Telegraph reported.
United have three games left in the league campaign, hosting Arsenal and Newcastle United at home before a final day trip to Brighton.
Hopes of a top-four finish have long been dashed, with the club now at risk of missing out on European qualification altogether, slipping to eighth place as Newcastle and Chelsea have found form and moved ahead of them in recent weeks.
Their best chance of European qualification will be by defeating City in this month’s final.