Man Utd could dismiss Erik ten Hag due to Liverpool humiliating them in Football – Sport – Express.co.uk
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more. Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is expected to qualify for the Champions League (Image: Getty).
Liverpool’s chastening defeat against Atalanta on Thursday may inadvertently play a decisive role in whether or not Manchester United keep Erik ten Hag beyond this season. Jurgen Klopp’s side were beaten 3-0 at home by the Serie A side and now have a huge task attempting to advance to the Europa League semi-finals in the second leg. It came on a tough night for the Premier League’s Europa League participants.
West Ham were also beaten 2-0 by Bayer Leverkusen, although Aston Villa gave the English clubs something to celebrate by beating Lille in the Conference League. How Premier League teams perform in Europe will determine whether or not the English top-flight lands a fifth Champions League spot for next season. Due to the revamped format of the European competition, an extra place will be awarded to two nations.
Italy have already landed a place, with England and Germany currently battling for the other. Defeats for Liverpool and West Ham, especially against a German side in Bayer, will have done harm to England’s chances of winning the extra Champions League spot. All is not lost, though, with Manchester City and Arsenal still in the Champions League.
Both sides drew the first leg of their quarter-finals and are among the strong favourites to win the competition. But Thursday’s results could impact the number of English clubs competing in European tournaments next season and may have a knock-on effect for Ten Hag. The United head coach is expected to qualify for the Champions League or win the FA Cup this season.
A failure to achieve either of those feats could see the Dutchman axed by INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Speculation has mounted over Ten Hag’s future after a difficult second season at Old Trafford. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding.
You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy. United are currently sixth in the Premier League, 11 points off fourth-placed Tottenham and fifth-placed Aston Villa.
The opening of a fifth Champions League spot in the top-flight would ease Ten Hag’s concerns as it would mean he does not necessarily have to finish in the top four to keep his job. That, though, now looks unlikely with Liverpool and West Ham facing an uphill battle to progress to the Europa League semi-finals. Bayern Munich have the opportunity to beat Arsenal in the Champions League and further cement Germany’s right to win the extra spot in next season’s competition.
Ten Hag may hope for a remarkable comeback in either Europa League quarter-final. Otherwise, the 54-year-old is facing a difficult end to the season that could ultimately see him fail to keep his job.
