Manchester United advance to the FA Cup final, where they’ll take on Manchester City in a repeat showdown of last year’s fixture.
It’s set to be a fixture that could ultimately save Erik ten Hag‘s season. The FA Cup final is now really the only game that matters for Manchester United.
But even if the Red Devils do emerge victorious… is that enough to keep Ten Hag in a job? It’s a tricky one.
Former Manchester United players have shared their views after the penalty shoot-out victory against Coventry City.
Gary Neville on Erik ten Hag future
As with all Manchester United current affairs – legendary Red Devils right-back Gary Neville has something to say on the matter.
When asked whether he should remain in the role, Neville stated that a lot is dependent on the outcome of the final taking place at the end of May. He said:
“My view would be if he won the FA Cup and he won a trophy last season, to sack a manager who has won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club, I think it would be extremely difficult to sack him.” [7:25 pm Sky Sports Premier League April 21]
We see Neville’s point, but it never is really that simple. Particularly given the fact Manchester United are set to go through an entire rebrand in the summer with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos mob fully taking the reigns in the transfer market.
Louis Saha on Erik ten Hag future
The former Red Devils forward also spoke on the same platform as Neville on the Ten Hag topic. The Frenchman acknowledged the complete rebrand United are set to undergo – but remained somewhat impartial as to whether the current Manchester United manager was going to be a part of that.
When asked if he will be at United at the start of next season, Louis Saha said: “When you look at these performances, a few of the games, you may say they need a real real reshape.
“Those three people who have just come in, they have a different philosophy and maybe bring something else, maybe can benefit from that.
“I don’t see it as clear, but they need changes from the players, but they need changes from you as well.” [7:25 pm Sky Sports Premier League April 21]
United in Focus: Our verdict
The final reveals all in our eyes. If United produced a similar spineless performance to that of the one last season, then it could definitely be curtains for Ten Hag.
The decision may have already been made behind the scenes, no one is to know – but United owe the Dutchman at least one more shot to prove himself.
This could seriously be the beginning of Ten Hag’s redemption arc, and what better way than to do it against the Cityzen’s?