Erik ten Hag faces a fight for his job at Manchester United as his second season comes to a close. He will not want the season to whimper out.
The 2023/24 season ends with the FA Cup final against Manchester City. If Manchester United can win this, it will make this tough campaign all worthwhile.
Will the FA Cup be enough to save Erik ten Hag‘s job? Well, don’t expect a sacking hours after the game, a fate which befell Louis van Gaal after his 2016 final victory. Ineos have far more class than that.
But if Ten Hag is not careful, the decision which would see him leave Manchester United could be taken before the Wembley final is even played.
Manchester United form is worrying
Manchester United are already out of Champions League contention after a serious slide in form since the international break.
In six Premier League games, Manchester United have one win, four draws, and one defeat.
While this could be framed as ‘losing just one in six games’, that does not tell the real story, which is that Manchester United are just simply not picking up enough points.
United have gained only seven points out of a possible 18, this is the same record as recent opponents Burnley, who languish in 19th place.
Everton, Bournemouth, Brentford and Crystal Palace have all picked up more points than United over the past six games. City, by contrast, have gained 16 of 18.
An unconvincing FA Cup semi-final win which required penalties did little to help either.
Manchester United fixtures are tough
The most worrying aspect for Manchester United is that this poor stretch of form could get a lot worse over the final four Premier League games.
United face Crystal Palace away next. The team has not won at Selhurst Park since 2020.
Two out of three home games to end the season is always welcome, but up against Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton, it is going to be tough.
Arsenal are battling for the title and have won their last two league matches against United. Newcastle are unbeaten in all three league games against Erik ten Hag.
Brighton meanwhile have an excellent record against United and even won at Old Trafford last season, the first match of the Erik ten Hag era.
Another win for the Seagulls could be the Dutchman’s last league game in charge. United’s record at the Amex is particularly woeful, and nobody would rule out a similarly miserable mauling as to the 4-0 defeat suffered under Ralf Rangnick.
While we hope Manchester United now go on a run and win four games in a row ahead of the FA Cup final to build momentum, there is sadly more chance of United failing to win all four.
And what would that mean?
One win in six, would become one win in 10 for Erik ten Hag.
That would be a bleak record for a manager trying to convince Ineos he is the right man for 2024/25 and beyond.
Whatever happens in the FA Cup final may then come too late. Erik ten Hag needs to show improvement now. A defeat at Wembley coupled with a poor end of season run really would be terminal.
United’s recent record is not shaping up well for the Dutchman, and if it does not improve, it could spell the end for the manager. He is not set up well heading into this tough run of fixtures.