Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says that he is not concerned by the ongoing rumours surrounding his future at Old Trafford.
Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has insisted that he is not concerned by the ongoing rumours surrounding his job at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman’s future is currently the subject of much speculation, with the club’s new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe believed to be considering making a change in the managerial department this summer.
Thomas Tuchel, who is leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the season, is regarded as the favourite for the position, should Ten Hag be relieved of his duties.
Meanwhile, England head coach Gareth Southgate and ex-Chelsea manager Graham Potter are also thought to be under consideration by Ratcliffe and his team.
Ten Hag can deliver more domestic silverware to Old Trafford this season, with the Red Devils preparing to tackle Manchester City in the final of the FA Cup on May 25.
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Ten Hag unconcerned by sack rumours
However, Man United are currently down in eighth position in the Premier League table and face missing out on European football altogether for the 2024-25 campaign.
The 20-time English champions were beaten 4-0 by Crystal Palace on Monday evening and are now preparing to welcome Arsenal to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
Ten Hag was asked about his future during his press conference to preview the game with the Gunners, and the Dutchman insisted that he has no worries when it comes to potentially losing his job.
“No. The [owners] have common sense. You see when we have 32 different back lines, we’ve used 13 partnerships in centre half, when they see we don’t have a left back, they know that will have a negative impact on results,” he told reporters on Friday afternoon.
“It’s a huge FA Cup final. We are happy to be there. It can be a highlight for this season. We know the reasons we are underperforming is because of the injuries. No team will perform when you have so many injuries in key areas.”
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Ten Hag provides mixed team news for Arsenal clash
Man United are expected to be boosted by the returns of Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford to their squad for the clash against Arsenal.
Lisandro Martinez is also back in training, but Ten Hag said that the Argentina international will not be considered for selection on Sunday afternoon.
Mason Mount, meanwhile, has suffered a fresh fitness problem, with the Englishman set to be absent this weekend, and Luke Shaw has also had a setback in his recovery from a muscular issue.
Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Anthony Martial and Willy Kambwala will also again be unavailable for selection against Mikel Arteta‘s side.
Man United can no longer qualify for next season’s Champions League, but they can still secure a spot in the 2024-25 Europa League or Conference League through their league position or a win in the FA Cup final.