Man Utd squad made feelings clear as Mauricio Pochettino tipped to replace Erik ten Hag

Manchester United’s squad have thrown their support behind beleaguered manager Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman is teetering on the brink after a dismal season that saw United finish in a disappointing eighth place and suffer an early exit in the Champions League.

Despite the potential for FA Cup glory and Europa League qualification if they can overcome Manchester City at Wembley this weekend, it may not be enough to save Ten Hag’s job. Speculation is rife that Mauricio Pochettino could return to the Premier League following his shock Chelsea exit.

The ex-Spurs boss was previously considered for the United role before Ten Hag’s appointment two years ago and remains a favourite among some sections of the fanbase, despite his trophy-less record. Amid growing pressure on Ten Hag, questions have been raised about the players’ commitment to their manager.

However, earlier this season, Scott McTominay affirmed the squad’s backing for Ten Hag. “It is the players’ responsibility, first and foremost,” the Scotland international stated.

“We have had many amazing players and right now we are at the stage where we have big characters in the dressing room,” via the Mirror.

“It is not just a case of like [with] some of the other managers where it has been a little bit toxic at times the boys are firmly behind the manager. We’ve got amazing coaching staff. We just want to do well for the football club and it’s as simple as that.”

Andre Onana, the goalkeeper who played under Ten Hag at Ajax, has spoken out about the manager’s consistent approach. In a conversation with Gary Neville on The Overlap, Onana remarked: “I don’t see any difference [in the way Ten Hag manages Manchester United in comparison to Ajax].”

“I think he’s the same guy. Listen, we are the same guys, we are the same players, he is the same manager that I knew in Ajax, he will not change in one or two years. I am not here to back him, because he’s big enough to [back himself]. Last season, he was fantastic for him. So, it’s just a bad season.”

As Chelsea search for a new manager after Pochettino’s departure, several candidates have emerged, including Leicester’s Enzo Maresca and Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna, both of whom have secured promotions.

Roberto De Zerbi, recently departed from Brighton, and Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness are also under consideration. However, a return for Jose Mourinho is deemed unlikely.