Man United ‘have already made a decision on Erik ten Hag’ – and he will be sacked even if they WIN the FA Cup, suggests Alan Shearer, as he reveals the two big indicators showing sacking is imminent

Alan Shearer has insisted that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his leadership team have ‘already made a decision’ on Erik ten Hag’s future, revealing that there are two big reasons behind why the Man United manager ‘will be sacked’.

It came after the Red Devils’ hollow victory in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday afternoon, with the Dutchman’s side squandering a three-goal lead against their Championship opponents during the match. 

United ultimately scraped through on penalties – thanks in part to the antics of goalkeeper Andre Onana – but the result was an all-too-familiar and underwhelming performance for Ten Hag’s side, raising further questions over his future at the club. 

Under the 54-year-old manager, United have endured a torrid season, with issues arising both on and off the field. The club has largely failed so far to surpass their achievements of finishing third in the league last season and winning the Carabao Cup. As of right now, they look set to miss out on qualifying for the Champions League having crashed out of the competition earlier this season.

Speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer gave an honest verdict on Ten Hag’s future, insisting that winning the FA Cup would not be enough for him to keep his job. 

‘I think the future of the Manchester United manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone,’ the former Newcastle striker said to Gary Lineker and Micah Richards.

‘I don’t think it matters whether they win the FA Cup for his future. That may be sad, that may be wrong but I just get the feeling that winning the FA Cup is not going to be enough for him.

‘When you look at the players, when you look at the attitude, where they are in the league and all those things: Where they want to be, where they want to go, in a quick time I think he’s already gone.’

Lineker then recounted when Louis van Gaal was sacked after the 2016 FA Cup final by Man United, despite leading his side to the title with a 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace. 

‘He did,’ Shearer said on Van Gaal. ‘He got the message in the lift after the game – the big argument whether it was right or wrong. 

‘I don’t know it, it’s just a guess but I look at the players’ attitudes, the players’ ability and I just get the feeling.

‘I think the decision is already made,’ he added. 

‘You know how it works: new owner, new director of football, new director of strategy, new this, new that, new whatever. It just tells you: new manager incoming.’

More to follow…