Erik ten Hag says "common sense" dictates he should be in charge of Manchester United next season.
Ten Hag has been given no assurances by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his new United football operations team that he will stay in charge at Old Trafford. United have suffered a chronic injury crisis this season, which has seen them slump to eighth in the table and on course for their worst finish of the Premier League era.
Louis van Gaal was sacked by United in 2016, despite winning the FA Cup, with Ten Hag asked if he fears he could suffer the same fate as his Dutch compatriot – even if he beats Manchester City at Wembley on May 25.
Ten Hag said: "No. I think they [United bosses] have common sense, they seen when you have 32 different backlines, when you lose eight centre-backs, when we see we don't have a left full-back.
"They know that will have a negative impact on results but we're still fighting and it's a huge FA Cup final and we're still there. It can be a highlight of the season, but we know why we are underperforming. I'm a realistic person, I see this, I analyse and no team would perform with these injuries."
Ten Hag revealed skipper Bruno Fernandes and striker Marcus Rashford are back training and available to face Arsenal on Sunday. But Luke Shaw and Mason Mount have both had setbacks in their recovery from injury, with the former now a major doubt to make Euro 2024.
“Players trained tomorrow and this morning,” said Ten Hag. “Bruno was on the pitch but yesterday Mason fell out, so he will not be available for Sunday. Rashford trained this morning as well, so we have to see how he has recovered from this. Hopefully he makes training tomorrow and then he's ready for Sunday.
“We have some doubts, players are fighting to be available and they all try. Yesterday, Licha [Lisandro Martinez] came to me and wants to play on Sunday against Arsenal, but he's not ready, he needs more time.
“I will ever gamble with a player, never. It's about them, their futures, the most important thing is that the safety and health of the player is high level.
“It's very unfortunate for Mason, very unlucky. We have so many injuries, it's difficult for all of us, particularly the fans. They show unity and when things are going bad, you stick together.”
Ten Hag was asked if it would help if Ratcliffe publicly backed him and confirmed he will remain in charge for next season. "This question you have to ask the owners, not to me," said Ten Hag. "It is your opinion - and you have to ask this question to them, not to me.
"That's my job. I take responsibility for that to speak to you. That is why I am the manager - to give the answers. I don't care if they do or they don't [back him publicly], I'm working on improving and developing my team, that is my job here."
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