SIR JIM RATCLIFFE is leaning towards keeping Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, according to reports.
The Dutchman has come under fire this season with United set to miss out on the Champions League.
He has reached the FA Cup final for a second successive year but bad results and a lack of progression on the pitch have led questions to be raised.
United have reportedly been considering options to replace Ten Hag but sources close to Ratcliffe and his team believe the new owner may choose to keep him in post, report ESPN.
Keeping Ten Hag could prove to be a cheaper option with the manager’s wages set to be cut if he fails to qualify for the Champions League.
But United are considering their options by preparing alternative managerial targets if they decide to sack Ten Hag.
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However there are few stand-out names at present with Liverpool and Bayern Munich also fighting for top targets.
And one of United’s preferred choices, Gareth Southgate, could still be in charge of England by July, when pre-season begins.
The Red Devils have also been linked with former Chelsea managers Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel, who has led Bayern to the Champions League semi-final.
While Wolves boss Gary O’Neil is also of interest but could join in a coaching capacity.
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Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s future
Where do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
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.”
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Brighton manager Robert De Zerbi and Brentford’s Thomas Frank are the other names linked.
Ten Hag could return to former club Ajax if he is sacked with the Dutch giants keen to re-united with the 54-year-old.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
