It has been a difficult season for Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag as United continue to drift far from the top-four race.
Pressure has tanked up on the Man United boss with feelers suggesting he may come to the end of his managerial journey at Old Trafford at the end of the season.
With the Champions League spot at risk, even the FA Cup trophy would not be enough to assuage the huge financial loss of missing out of the elite club competition in Europe.
For Manchester United’s new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the benchmark for Ten Hag to secure his future at Old Trafford would mean inevitably qualifying the club for the Champions League and easing the financial pressures thereof.
Such a dream is far off the reach of the club as things stand. They are 7th on the Premier League table with a 10-point and 13-point gap from Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa in 5th and 4th position, respectively.
However, there is a catch for the Dutch. United are into the last four of the FA Cup and could set up a revenge final matchup with cross-city rivals Manchester City if they defeat Coventry City.
An FA trophy would possibly lessen the pressure on Erik ten Hag but may not have critics shelve their swords after United’s dismal campaign this season.
Asked whether he is concerned about the critics of his performance so far this season, Ten Hag sent a point-blank message across as he explained United’s nightmare campaign.
“The critics don’t concern me. What concerns me is only having a full squad to choose from once in 18 months,’ retorts Ten Hag.
“Injuries are normal in football but not as many as we’ve had in crucial positions. That’s my truth – others can see it differently but I can’t put any energy into that. I have to see it realistically and rationally.”
In the fairest terms, Erik ten Hag deserved to be cut some slacks on Man United’s poor campaign this season. He has struggled with loads of injuries that has impacted the fortunes of the team.
However, whether such an excuse is a language that will be understood by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team has yet to be determined.
Meanwhile, the club will hope to keep alive their silverware hopes this season by seeing off Coventry City in the semifinals of the FA Cup before returning to league action against Sheffield United on Wednesday, April 24.
