Manchester United fans have made a hilarious joke about Erik ten Hag days at Old Trafford as an iconic manager was spotted with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s part owner.
What happened?
Sir Jim Ratcliffe was in attendance at Old Trafford during Manchester United’s clash against Liverpool on Sunday, April 7 and fans were quick to see Sam Allardyce alongside the British billionaire.
Manchester United denied Liverpool the chance to move to the top spot of the Premier League table after a 2-2 draw that saw the Reds sit second in the Premier League table.
When Sam Allardyce was spotted with the INEOS chief at Old Trafford, the Red Devils supporters joked that the former England manager is ready to replace Erik ten Hag.
The former Everton manager Sam Allardyce has been unemployed since leaving Leeds United last summer.
The 69-year-old was spotted at half-time in a VIP box with minority owner Ratcliffe and his trusted partner Sir Dave Brailsford.
Meanwhile, United fans were quick to joke that Allardyce’s presence means Ten Hag’s days at the club are limited.
A fan said: “Sam Allardyce at OT. Obviously, ETH days are numbered.”
Another added: “Jim Ratcliffe in conversation with Sam Allardyce there. Just a chat, of course, but wouldn’t it be hilarious if he appointed him as United manager? The only appointment funnier than Gareth Southgate.”
A third fan then said: “Is Sam Allardyce gonna be our new manager?”
A fourth one wrote: “Jim Ratcliffe talking with Big Sam Allardyce at half time it’s over for Ten Hag.”
Allardyce has had a lengthy managerial career leading 12 different teams including four years at West Ham where he led the London club to Premier League promotion in 2012.
Since then, the Englishman has managed Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Everton, West Brom, Leeds United, and the England national team.
Sam Allardyce left coaching business in June 2023 after Leeds were relegated to the championship.
Erik ten Hag, on the other hand, has endured a tough season at Manchester United after they crashed out of the Champions League in the group stages.
The former Ajax manager is currently under intense pressure to qualify for European football competition next season.
So far this season, the Dutchman did manage to knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup after beating Jurgen Klopp’s side 4-3 in the quarter-final in March 2023.
However, to convince Ratcliffe, Ten Hag will need to prove in the final match of the season that he is the right manager to lead the Red Devils.
What’s next for Manchester United?
It remains to be seen what decision Ratcliffe will take on Erik ten Hag when the 2023/2024 campaign comes to an end. In addition, the Boss and his squad will be seen next in action when they battle Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium on Saturday, April 13.
