Manchester United’s new technical director, Jason Wilcox, is set to evaluate Erik ten Hag’s strengths and weaknesses as the club’s manager. Speculation surrounding Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford has intensified following recent disappointing results, including a close call in the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Wilcox will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the manager’s suitability for the role going forward.
The potential for a change in management this summer is linked to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in the club and his acquisition of sporting control.
The 71-year-old billionaire rushed to Wembley on Sunday after finishing the London Marathon to witness the unexpected collapse, and according to The Telegraph, failing to secure European qualification this season could have dire consequences for Ten Hag.
Wilcox also needs to evaluate Ten Hag’s rapport with the team, which has once again come into question following an incident where Alejandro Garnacho ‘liked’ critical social media posts after last year’s controversy involving Jadon Sancho.
As the club’s new sporting leadership aims to establish a unified style and philosophy, Ten Hag must be considered the right match for this vision. Nevertheless, his lifeline might be the absence of an obvious replacement.
Ten Hag’s current contract, which he entered into upon his arrival from Ajax in the summer of 2022, is set to expire in slightly over a year.
If he were to depart from his position before the contract’s completion, Manchester United would probably need to provide compensation.
Additionally, it is expected that Ten Hag’s team, which includes Steve McClaren and Mitchell van der Gaag, would also depart alongside him.