Manchester United players doubt if manager Erik ten Hag will remain at the club beyond this season, according to the Daily Mail.
The Dutchman still has the support of most players regarding his tactics and leadership, but there’s a growing expectancy that he will not be in charge next season.
There have been some grumblings about the intensity of training sessions, but most players reportedly back Ten Hag’s approach.
However, the recent ownership change has players doubting if Ten Hag will remain at Old Trafford, with many people believing new co-owners INEOS will make a managerial change at the end of the season.
Ten Hag has maintained he has open communication with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team. But the former Ajax boss has privately acknowledged the lack of guarantees about his future.
The new Chief Executive Officer, Omar Berrada, and incoming sporting director, Dan Ashworth, will likely assess Ten Hag’s position.
Ten Hag could get a stay of execution if United win the FA Cup and secure Champions League qualification, but the recent 3-1 Manchester derby defeat left a bitter taste in the mouth.
They face a tough FA Cup quarter-final test against Liverpool. The Reds are hunting every title to give manager Jurgen Klopp the perfect send-off.
Injuries have played their part in deterring Ten Hag’s sophomore season, with several players missing games due to different setbacks.
Bruno Fernandes, Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans have played through niggles to show their support for the manager.
However, questionable decisions such as rushing Luke Shaw back against Luton Town after an injury, which may have worsened it, created doubts among the players.
Ten Hag and his assistant, Mitchell van der Gaag, have a hard-line approach with demanding training sessions and a lack of flexibility regarding rest days. It has reportedly created discontent amongst players.
Some players want lighter training sessions to manage fatigue and stay injury-free.
The next few weeks will be crucial for Ten Hag and the club, with results and ownership decisions shaping the manager’s fate at Old Trafford.
