Manchester United report: Erik ten Hag sack update given with 'complicated' situation explained

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester United and FC Bayern München at Old Trafford on December 12, 2023 in Manchester, England.
(Image credit: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag could be sacked soon – but the situation is "complicated" according to one report.

The Red Devils whimpered out of the Champions League, finishing fourth in their group following a home loss to Bayern Munich last night, as boos rang out around the Theatre of Dreams. With Liverpool away at the weekend, things aren't about to get any easier for Ten Hag either.

But with Manchester United in flux and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment set to be formalised soon, the Dutchman's status in the dugout isn't as black and white as some may expect. 

Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Monaco ahead of the game with Nice

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to take over at Manchester United (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Athletic have produced a report explaining why the managerial position is such a delicate balance, explaining the "power vacuum" behind the scenes. 

"Is an interim CEO going to decide to sack a manager after a month in his temporary post? It is extremely unlikely – indeed, almost unfathomable," the outlet states, in reference to Patrick Stewart replacing Richard Arnold at the club.

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The Athletic have previously commented on the apparent lack of faith that Ten Hag has with his players, though not all have turned on him yet. There could also be a financial aspect that comes with sacking the 53-year-old, too, however, with United expected to pay £15 million if they part ways. 

"United are having to take care to operate within the bounds of football’s financial fair play regulations due to spending heavily in previous years and paying compensation to hire a manager and backroom staff would not help those equations," the report explains.

Erik ten Hag Manchester United manager walks off the Old Trafford pitch after losing 3-0 to Newcastle United

Manchester United may not be able to sack Ten Hag from a financial perspective (Image credit: Getty Images)

United have apparently not put out "feelers" when it comes to hiring new managers. 

Ten Hag has a win percentage of 60.47 per cent. 

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Manchester United have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid and France star Antoine Griezmann. Meanwhile, a former Barcelona defender could potentially be on his way to Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford could also be set to join him, having agreed personal terms with Barcelona. Almost half a year after leaving Manchester United as a free agent, David de Gea could be close to sealing a move to a new club

Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag has defended his training methods as the injuries pile up – with Mason Mount the latest player set for a spell on the sidelines.

Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.