Manchester United held talks with PL club’s manager about replacing Ten Hag two days before FA Cup final: Reports
Manchester United reportedly talked face-to-face with Marco Silva about replacing Erik ten Hag just two days before the FA Cup final. The Red Devils' owners conducted an end-of-season review that put their Dutch manager at risk of dismissal.
The Athletic reports that the higher-ups' search for a potential Ten Hag replacement started before the final. They spoke with Fulham coach Silva on Thursday (May 23) ahead of the team's clash with Manchester City at Wembley two days later.
Ten Hag was telling the media that he was planning for next season with the idea that he'd still be in charge of Manchester United. The Dutchman's position looked untenable heading into the final against City.
The Red Devils staged their best performance of the season to beat the Cityzens 2-1 and claim an unlikely trophy. It was the second trophy Ten Hag had delivered since arriving at Old Trafford in July 2022.
Manchester United still proceeded with an end-of-season review to decide whether to keep Ten Hag in charge. It was a long process that eventually ended with the former Ajax coach staying on despite many expecting his sacking.
Silva wasn't a name mentioned during the saga surrounding Ten Hag's future. The Portuguese coach has impressed at Fulham since his appointment in July 2021. He's overseen 65 wins in 140 games at Craven Cottage, maintaining the Cottagers' Premier League status after their 2022 promotion.
Manchester United reportedly also met Brentford's Thomas Frank on FA Cup final day
Manchester United's pursuit of a potential Ten Hag successor saw them also eye Brentford boss Thomas Frank. The Dane was on Chelsea's radar after the west London giants parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino.
The Telegraph reports that the Red Devils met with Frank's representatives on the day of the FA Cup final. They were wary of the Blues' interest after Pochettino's departure and wanted to learn of the Bees manager's availability.
Frank remained at the Gtech Community Stadium as Chelsea turned to Leicester City's Enzo Maresca as Pochettino's replacement. United stuck with Ten Hag but were looking at several Premier League coaches.
The Danish tactician has impressed at the Gtech, propelling Brentford into a mid-table Premier League club. He's overseen 117 wins in 274 games since succeeding Dean Smith in October 2018. He guided the London outfit to promotion to the English top-flight for the first time in 74 years in 2021.