Manchester United Owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has announced SAD news for Erig Ten Hag this evening after a press conference he held today with Manchester United board
Erik ten Hag will not need a Wembley official to escort him to the changing room area when he comes off the Manchester United squad van at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
This weekend’s FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City will be the Dutchman’s fourth journey to the national stadium since taking control of United two years ago. His first visit was for last season’s Carabao Cup final, and his last two were for the FA Cup semi-finals and final.
Ten Hag witnessed United’s first title since 2017, a 2-0 victory against Newcastle, from under the famed arch. He hoped to return to the Royal Balcony in June to face Manchester City in the season’s second domestic cup final.
However, United understands that they must win against Coventry on Sunday in order to save their season. Their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season are all but gone; they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup early on, and their time in Europe was over before the kids could finish eating the contents of their advent calendars.
Winning the FA Cup is the only way United can salvage anything from an otherwise dismal season. It may also be the only way Ten Hag has a shot to maintain his position.
While there is no doubt that United will be favorites in Sunday’s first FA Cup match against Coventry since 1987, confidence is unlikely to be high inside the squad. United have failed to win in their previous four games, drawing three and losing one.
Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, combined with Aston Villa’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal 24 hours later, leaves them 13 points below the top four with just six Premier League games remaining. Despite the fact that their Champions League qualifying ambitions are all but dead, United must finish the season on a high note, not least in order to secure Europa League qualification as the second greatest European prize available. West Ham and Chelsea are hard on their heels, and the fight for European participation is becoming more competitive.
Following Sunday’s trip to Wembley, United will play two home league games against Sheffield United and Burnley, both of whom are very likely to be relegated in the following weeks. United, who have won just three away league games this season, should aim for six points and two flawless performances.
