Manchester United to sack Erik ten Hag even if they win FA Cup: Reports

Manchester United will sack manager Erik ten Hag after the FA Cup final against Manchester City regardless of the result at Wembley, said media reports in Britain on Friday.

The Guardian newspaper said the Premier League club had decided to take the step after a dismal season in which United finished eighth - their lowest final position since 1990. They also crashed out of the UEFA Champions League in the group stage.

If Ten Hag’s two-year reign does end following the clash against city rivals, his exit would provoke memories of Louis van Gaal’s Old Trafford departure.

Van Gaal was fired just two days after United’s FA Cup final victory against Crystal Palace in 2016.

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Ten Hag’s future has been the subject of intense speculation, months after billionaire Jim Ratcliffe took a minority stake in the club and assumed control of football operations.

The club insist no decision has been made on the Dutchman’s future and say a full review will take place only after the FA Cup final against the Premier League champions, who are chasing their second straight league and FA Cup double.

Man Utd have been linked with a list of names including Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Gareth Southgate and Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna , who has previously coached at Old Trafford.

Speaking before the latest reports, goalkeeper Andre Onana said the final was “extra motivation” after an injury-hit season in which many of their stars flopped.

“We lost twice against City already (in the Premier League),” he said. “We know how good they are. Best team at the moment – all of our respect – but we go there to win. A final.”

Onana, who also played under Ten Hag at Ajax, stood up for his manager, describing him as a “good guy, a good coach”.

“Tactically he’s very good and he showed it last season,” said the Cameroon international. “I was not here last season and they got top four.

“This season a lot of things happened. I’m not here to back him. He is big enough to back himself. But he is a really good guy, he is a positive coach and tactically he’s good.

“If he had all his squad it would probably be different. This season is difficult for him, for us, for the club, for the fans.”

Saturday’s match offers United not just a shot at silverware in what has been a miserable campaign but a route to Europa League qualification.

“It would make things look better,” said Onana, who has had an inconsistent first season at Old Trafford.

“It’s important to end well and winning this game would mean we’re in the Europa League.”