Gary Neville understands Manchester United through and through. As one of the few players who spent their entire career at the club, Gary Neville is a proper Manchester United person and also the biggest critic of past managers since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2012, although much of his criticism has been directed towards the Glazers.
With United undergoing several changes at top level since Sir Jim Ratcliffe bought 25% of the club, questions about Erik Ten Hag’s future at the club have been thrown in the air. However, Gary Neville recently pointed out a vital fact amidst United’s inconsistent run of results this season under the Dutchman.
Neville indicates decision on Erik Ten Hag’s future already made
Big changes have been made at several levels since Sir Jim Ratcliffe acquired 25% of Manchester United to be the one that focuses on football-related activities at the club, with the Glazers dealing with the commercial side. The British billionaire has made some big moves, like snapping up Omar Berrada from Manchester City to be United’s new CEO at the end of the season and another impending deal for Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth.
With United remaining inconsistent this season, many reports have suggested the future of Erik Ten Hag as Manchester United’s manager. Gary Neville believes the new owner may have made up his mind about the Dutchman remaining at the club beyond this season. “If you look at Omar Berrada coming in from City as CEO and looking to get Dan Ashworth from Newcastle, they’re going to make a decision (about Ten Hag) quickly if they haven’t already,” Neville said.
“I suspect Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Dave Brailsford already know whether Erik Ten Hag will be the manager next season. I can’t believe they’re going to wait till May to make that decision and leave themselves short,” the former Manchester United captain added.
Neville went on to suggest that Ten Hag’s future may be hanging on whether or not he makes Champions League football next season, which is the goal he has been given if he wants to remain at his job beyond this current season.
Zinedine Zidane reportedly in line if United fire Ten Hag
Whatever good work Erik Ten Hag did at United last season, finishing fourth and winning the Carabao Cup, means nothing now, as his team has gone from strength to weakness. His midfield is always threatened, and Rashford has lost his touch of class from last season, which made him score 30 goals in all competitions for United.
This has caused several fans to turn their backs on Erik Ten Hag, and there’s no guarantee that he’ll remain in the dugout next season. Zinedine Zidane is one name that has been constantly linked with the hot seat at Manchester United, and although the Frenchman has talked down his chances of taking up the job in Manchester, some reports still suggest he’s the first name on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s list of potential replacements for Erik Ten Hag.
Zidane has been out of a job since walking away from his job at Real Madrid a few years ago. He’s received several offers from France, England, Italy, and even Saudi Arabia, but the World Cup winner is waiting for the right project he can take on for a long time.
