MANCHESTER UNITED fans have begged club bosses to keep Erik ten Hag for next season after his “iconic” speech at Old Trafford.
Following the club’s 3-2 win over Newcastle on their final home game of the season, Ten Hag took the microphone and addressed fans who had waited around after the game.
Taking to the centre of the pitch, Ten Hag delivered a rousing speech declaring the Red Devils faithful were “the best in the world”.
He added that despite it being a difficult season, the team were determined to win their final league game of the season at Brighton and the the FA Cup.
The Dutchman said: “It wasn’t an easy season, but one thing remained constant, and it was the backing of you for the team.
“The season is not over yet. Now, first we will travel to Brighton for three points and then we go to Wembley.
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“And I promise you that those players will give everything, to get that cup, to win the cup, and bring it to Old Trafford.
“And be assured, you will be there supporting us. Thank you, you are the best supporters in the world, thank you.”
A loss to Brighton would see Man Utd finish on their worst ever points tally in the Premier League era.
However, Ten Hag’s speech appears to have swayed fans back to his side in terms of keeping him at the club.
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Reacting to the speech on social media, one fan said: “The speech by Ten Hag just makes the fans feel more connected to the club.
“After a horrific season & having facing so much pressure, him coming out giving this speech is so ICONIC.”
A second said: “Erik ten Hag’s speech, what an inspiration. Must stay here next season.”
A third added: “Honestly, I’d keep ten Hag for his end of season speeches alone. This has been a really poor season for #MUFC, but after his speech I want the new season to start now.
“I also think that it is a further inclination that he is staying beyond this season.
“If he was leaving, he would know, and the speech would be more of a thank you for the two years, instead it was a rallying cry for the final and next season.”
Another said: “We need to give him another season to be honest. I would hate to see him judged by this season to be honest. I really want to see how he performs under the right circumstances! 🙏🏾.”
A fifth said: “I love this man, I hope he stays and succeeds with us.”
Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s future
Where do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
Michael Owen – He has to go
“He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
“If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
Jamie Carragher – Sacked
“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
Louis Saha – On the fence
“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
Alan Shearer – Sacked
“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”
Ten Hag’s team have been ravaged by injuries throughout the season, a point he recently referenced when asked about the team’s shocking defensive record.
The numbers, however, show he has a point, with Man Utd keeping the most clean sheets out of any team last season when the defence was more stable and less injury hit.
Regardless, his future will ultimately be decided by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos.
Reports suggest the former Ajax boss is “50/50” to stay or go, with Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate, Kieran McKenna and Thomas Tuchel all linked with the job.
However, reports from Germany yesterday claimed Tuchel could now be set to stay at Bayern Munich in a stunning U-turn.
There is also the consideration of Man Utd’s summer budget.
A major squad overhaul is needed – and backed by club legend Wayne Rooney – and every penny will help towards that end.
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But it is understood sacking Ten Hag and his staff could cost the club £10million, which may cause it’s own financial fair play problems.
And that is not to even mention the condition of the stadium after it was laid bare as the ground flooded at the end of the game against Arsenal on Sunday.
SunSport’s verdict on Man Utd flops
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have a busy summer ahead to get Man Utd’s squad in order for next season. Below SunSport gives it verdict on how they should deal with the Red Devils flops this summer.
Andre Onana – STAY: After a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season despite being peppered with shots constantly.
Altay Bayindir – GO: Reports in February suggested Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. If profit can be made on a sale then it should be done.
Tom Heaton – STAY: Veteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GO: Wan-Bissaka, 26, has never managed to make the right-back position his own. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.
Diogo Dalot – STAY: Dalot, 26, has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.
Raphael Varane – GO: If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep Varane, but costs need to be cut to allow the squad to be freshened up.
Harry Maguire – GO: Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd but overall ability and desired profile are another matter, with Maguire too slow to play in a high line defence.
Lisandro Martinez – STAY: Martinez, 26, is second to none in terms of build up play. He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season.
Jonny Evans – GO: Veteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player. But he has shown his advanced years at times this season.
Victor Lindelof – GO: Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career. He has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him.
Willy Kambwala – STAY: He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.
Luke Shaw – GO: One of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.
Tyrell Malacia – STAY: Malacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.
Sofyan Amrabat – GO: Amrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. But he’s had an underwhelming season in England and his loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent.
Casemiro – GO: An alarming physical decline has seen him turn from key star to burden. If a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old – who has two more years on his contract – then United should snatch their hand off.
Christian Eriksen – GO: Eriksen proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.
Kobbie Mainoo – STAY: The first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.
Mason Mount – STAY: Mount can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least after a debut season riddled with injury.
Scott McTominay – STAY: McTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.
Bruno Fernandes – STAY: Man Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances while his tenacity boosts those around him.
Antony – GO: There’s a case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history. Despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.
Anthony Martial – GO: Ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer after an appalling injury record of late.
Marcus Rashford – STAY: As easy as it would be to say Rashford should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many available players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.
Alejandro Garnacho – STAY: Another third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it. He’s a raw talent but has shown he has the quality to improve.
Rasmus Hojlund – STAY: A slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.
Amad Diallo – STAY: In the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting. He should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
