Manchester United haven’t had the best season. It is no secret they are extremely disappointed with some of their results, player performances, and overall standing in the 2023-2024 Premier League table. Although they are sitting in sixth place, which is admirable for most teams, being almost out of contention for European football is blasphemous for a club of United’s size and stature.
What happens if the Red Devils fail to qualify for Euro football next year? Well, there will be lots of changes at the Mancunian club if the manager doesn’t lead his team to a top-five finish in the last four matches of the season.
Manchester United Manager’s Job Up for Debate
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The boss and @B_Fernandes8 were full of praise for the #MUAcademy and Ethan Wheatley following our young Red's debut 👏#MUFC || #MUNSHU
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 25, 2024
The job of being a Premier League manager isn’t for the faint of heart. You have to deal with constant pressure, scrutiny, and criticism at every turn. Fans only like you if you are winning. Players only like you if you are choosing to start them every game.
So what do you do as a PL manager if you are under threat of being sacked – or having a huge pay cut if you return?
This is the dilemma that Erik Ten Hag currently finds himself in. The Manchester United manager has had a tough season in charge of United, suffering tough results recently against Bournemouth (2-2 draw), Chelsea (4-3 loss), and Liverpool (2-2 draw).
Arguably the most shocking was the recent win in the FA Cup semi-finals against Coventry, where United squeaked by in penalty kicks to win 4-2 on pens.
And the lack of creativity, pride, and dominance from a previously top-three team is very noticeable. That is why the club is forcing Erik Ten Hag to take an extreme pay cut next season if his team does not qualify for the Champions League in the 2024-2025 season.
Erik Ten Hag will have to accept a whopping 25% pay cut if the Red Devils are not eligible to play in the coveted UCL next season. Currently, Ten Hag is on a respectable 9 million pounds per year for his current contract.
However, this number would fall to below 7 million pounds if Manchester United does not make the top four teams.
And the way it is currently looking, it seems as though Ten Hag is almost certainly going to have a wage reduction.
The other option is for Manchester United to get rid of Erik Ten Hag altogether. However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the INEOs owner, has addressed such rumors in press conferences post-matches to clear up any confusion.
‘It’s a two to three-season challenge to get the organization and environment right to produce results. If you take the example at the moment with the coach reporting to the chief executive, that doesn’t make any sense.’
This doesn’t lend a clear answer to fans, but does state that United has problems from the top to bottom. It is no wonder the club can’t produce the best results.
Also Read: Crystal Palace Secures a 2024-2025 Premier League Slot After Recent Win
What Is Next for United
Manchester United has a few more matches to look forward to before the season comes to a close. They will be hoping to grab three points against Burnley this weekend, a lower-placed team, and Crystal Palace, although the latter just beat Liverpool in a shocking defeat.
Then, Manchester United take on top-placed Arsenal. This is a huge game in determining who is going to win the 2023-2024 EPL trophy, and if Manchester United can continue working their way up the ladder to earn one of the top four spots.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
