‘Sack Him Immediately because…’ – Former Man Utd coach gives Sir Jim Ratcliffe 10 facts why he needs to sack Erik ten Hag

Former Manchester United first-team coach Mike Phelan believes that despite winning the FA Cup, Erik ten Hag should not continue as the manager at Old Trafford.

The 61-year-old Phelan mentioned that under previous management, the Dutchman would have already been dismissed following a ‘disappointing’ season. He suggested that Ten Hag’s position might have been spared due to a lack of suitable replacements.

Meanwhile, Kieran McKenna, a former United coach, signed a new contract with Ipswich on Thursday amid rumors linking him to United. Additionally, Roberto De Zerbi, previously considered by Sir Jim Ratcliffe for the manager’s role, is available after leaving Brighton.

Mauricio Pochettino, recently sacked by Chelsea, is another potential candidate. He was one of the initial choices before United appointed Ten Hag in the summer of 2022.

Phelan, who was removed from his coaching role soon after Ten Hag’s arrival, had been part of United’s coaching setup since the 1999/2000 season. He served as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant from 2008 and as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s deputy in 2018, with managerial stints at Norwich and Hull City in between.

Phelan argued that Ratcliffe, who has overhauled the United board, seeks continuity in management. However, he believes Ten Hag should be dismissed.

“Under past regimes, he would have been gone,” Phelan told talkSPORT. “The ownership is still there, but this new regime seems to want continuity. I’m not sure if that means Ten Hag gets another chance.”

When asked if Ten Hag deserves to stay, Phelan said, “No, I don’t think so. We’re talking about Manchester United. It’s a big, important decision.”

Phelan acknowledged that Ten Hag has been straightforward and has plans to revamp the team, but he criticized the overall performance of the season.

“He won the FA Cup unexpectedly, with a playing style he should have adopted earlier in the season. This season has been very disappointing, both in performance and in stats like goals conceded and scored,” Phelan noted.

He dismissed Ten Hag’s reasoning that injuries were to blame for United’s poor league finish, stating that such challenges are part of the game. Phelan also suggested that Ten Hag might still be in his role due to a lack of available alternatives.

“It took longer than expected to release Louis van Gaal after a cup win,” Phelan continued. “Who does Ineos want? Are they available? It’s sometimes easier to remove people than to find replacements. You need a manager with full backing.”