As it stands, Erik ten Hag’s future as Manchester United manager is looking incredibly bleak.
You’d be surprised to see the Dutchman stepping out at Old Trafford next season given the current speculation over his job security, and last night’s affairs didn’t help his case.
United held a three-goal advantage in the 71st minute of their FA Cup semi-final with Coventry City before the Sky Blues performed an emphatic turnaround to level the tie to 3-3 in regular time.
Then, in the dying embers of extra-time, the Championship outfit saw a goal controversially ruled out due to an offside from Haji Wright in the build-up. United won the subsequent penalty shootout after scoring four spot-kicks to Coventry’s two.
In an exact repeat of last season’s final, United will take on current holders of the trophy Manchester City again at Wembley next month, having already suffered two defeats at the hands of Pep Guardiola’s men in both Premier League fixtures this term.
Prior to kick-off on Sunday, United were on the back of a four-game winless streak in the league, so their second-half capitulation certainly won’t have aided the case Ten Hag is putting forward to remain in charge.
Bruno Fernandes had a pivotal impact on the game, initially assisting Harry Maguire in the first half before contributing a goal of his own in the second, as well as converting his penalty later on.
Squad unfazed by Ten Hag speculation, says Fernandes
The club captain was pressed on the uncertainty regarding his manager’s future post-match and told reporters (via Yahoo Sport): “That doesn’t have to affect anyone because we have to focus on everything we have this season. We still have chances to get in European positions in the league. We have to finish as high as possible, that’s the main thing, and then we have an FA Cup final to play.
“So no one has to be worried because it’s not our job to be worried with these things that come from the outside or from the inside or whatever because we have the owners who take care of that, we have the directors, and then we players it’s about performing on the pitch and giving our best.”
