Ruud Gullit pinpoints why Manchester United are likely to sack Erik ten Hag
Netherlands great Ruud Gullit believes INEOS' takeover of Manchester United could lead to Erik ten Hag's sacking. He claimed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co. would like to have a new manager, especially after a disappointing 2023-24 season.
Gullit talked to Ziggo Sports about Ten Hag's problems at the Red Devils, remarking:
"The problem for Ten Hag is that there is a new owner in town at Manchester United. Usually a new owner wants to appoint his own new manager. So I am afraid that they will appoint someone else."
Earlier this month, Ten Hag spoke about the new part-owners INEOS and claimed that they had already held discussions about the next season. He said:
"No, we already did and on Sunday I will go on holiday. I think I deserve it. It is not necessary [to have assurances]. We will go for next season."
When quizzed if the owners trusted him, he added:
"They said they want to change everything and that they want to rebuild with me. This is what they told me directly."
Multiple reports suggested that Ten Hag was set to be sacked this summer after Manchester United finished eighth in the Premier League. However, after United's FA Cup win, reports of him staying beyond this summer have also emerged.
Erik ten Hag confident he can turn things around at Manchester United
Erik ten Hag spoke about his future at Manchester United earlier this month and admitted that it had been a tough season. However, he was still confident that he could turn things around at Old Trafford and said:
"I have no doubt about this. As human beings and my experience that will always happen once in three months when you are not in the right attitude. But, mostly this team has the right spirit and they execute the rules and principles of the game even if they have to adapt in their positions. I can only be happy and it is a big compliment for this team that they executed all that they could and they were fighting."
Roberto de Zerbi, Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate, Thomas Frank and Thomas Tuchel have been linked with the Manchester United job by various publications. Mauricio Pochettino has also been reported as a potential Ten Hag replacement after he parted ways with Chelsea.