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8th May 2024
10:33am BST
The future of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reportedly 'causing a dressing room collapse'.
While the Dutchman is expected to be in charge of the club until the end of the current season, his future beyond next month is still up in the air.
According to the Daily Mail, United bosses are unwilling to make a snap decision which has left players feeling uncertain and is undermining the manager's control of the squad.
United's 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Crystal Palace on Monday night heaped pressure on Ten Hag, who has increasingly looked doomed to leave the club at the end of the season.
After the Palace defeat, Ten Hag accused his team of ‘making big mistakes, not following the plan, the script and the rules we have’.
Reports say that the lack of a concrete decision by the United board is affecting the players' response to his instructions in matches and training.
Last month, it was reported that United’s new technical director Jason Wilcox is conducting an audit of the manager’s credentials and dressing room relations, effectively putting Ten Hag on trial until the end of the season.
Reports suggested that Wilcox has been tasked with a “detailed assessment of Ten Hag’s strengths and weaknesses and relationship with the squad to better determine whether his approach can fit with the overarching style of play and philosophy they intend to pursue.”
"He does deserve some credit. I actually rate ten Hag as a coach" 👏
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 7, 2024
Andy Mitten says that United are still in contention for a spot in Europe and understand why Bayern show an interest in Erik ten Hag 👀 pic.twitter.com/LifIRPKVfX
Newly appointed Sporting Director Dan Ashworth was also tasked with looking closely at training sessions to explore the mood among players and manager.
Despite an open mind about keeping Ten Hag into next season, it is believed that the 54-year-old's fate is now sealed after recent disappointing performances.
While he is set to stay for United's remaining fixtures against Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton, it is understood that assistant manager Steve McClaren could step in as caretaker if the situation deteriorates.
Six names have been drawn up as potential replacements, including Michel of Girona, who currently sit in second place in La Liga, Brighton’s Roberto de Zerbi, and Bologna’s Thiago Motta.
Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim is also appreciated as a young and exciting European coach.
Both England manager Gareth Southgate and former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter are also appreciated by higher-ups at United, but questions remain over their ability to command a dressing room.
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