Man Utd 'set timeline' for Erik ten Hag sack decision after deleted post raised suspicions

Manchester United are reportedly set to arrive at a final decision over Erik ten Hag’s future by the end of the week. A deleted social media post from Alejandro Garnacho’s brother sparked fresh rumours that the Dutchman will be dismissed, and supporters could be only days away from discovering the truth.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team have let the dust settle on United’s FA Cup triumph over Manchester City before deciding whether to give Ten Hag his marching orders.

The former Ajax boss maximised his chances of staying in the United hotseat by overseeing a superb performance at Wembley, but their eighth-place Premier League finish was confirmed only days prior – their worst result in England’s top flight for 34 years.

Ten Hag jetted off on holiday while United chiefs debated his future, and he is now on the cusp of discovering whether another season at Old Trafford is on the horizon. According to The Guardian, Sir Jim’s post-season review ‘will not go beyond this week’.

Red Devils supporters should therefore receive clarity by Friday afternoon. Many thought they had received a clear hint that he was destined for the sack when Garnacho’s brother, Roberto, responded to a fan on social media.

The fan wrote: “Tomorrow might be the worst day of my life. Currently looking into the stars, tears building up in my eyes. I can’t fathom Ten Hag going.” To which Roberto Garnacho responded: “Same, and I’m not even joking. Let’s pray for us.”

Ten Hag stood defiant after his FA Cup victory when confronted with the possibility of his sacking. “The team is progressing, and we are winning trophies,” he said. “Two trophies in two years is not bad. Three finals is not bad, but we have to keep going. I’m not satisfied with it.

“We have to do better and if they don’t want me anymore, then I’ll go anywhere else to win trophies because that is what I have done my whole career. I don’t know if they’ve [spoken to other managers]. I can’t answer this question. Maybe you have sources, I don’t have them.”

United have reportedly been sounding out managerial options while Ten Hag decompresses from a turbulent 2023/24. Former Chelsea bosses Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel are believed to have made the shortlist.

Brentford’s Thomas Frank is also rated highly at Old Trafford, and Gareth Southgate has received glowing reviews during Sir Jim’s fact-finding missions, although the England manager would not be available to start work until after Euro 2024.