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Erik ten Hag reportedly believes that Manchester United haven't yet decided on his future as INEOS form the club's new-look sporting structure. The Dutchman's opportunity to enter a third season as United manager could depend on whether he is ready to accept an ultimatum being prepared by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
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Ten Hag's stock is the highest it has been in some time after Sunday's dramatic 4-3 victory to dump Liverpool out of the FA Cup quarter-finals at Old Trafford.
United's players showed that they were fighting for their manager as they came from behind twice late in normal and extra time to book a spot at Wembley.
A favourable semi-final draw against Championship side Coventry City has made it probable Ten Hag will reach his third domestic cup final out of four and have the chance to lift a second trophy in 15 months.
However, with United chasing Champions League qualification, likely via a top-five Premier League finish, the 54-year-old's future remains up in the air.
Louis van Gaal clinched the FA Cup in 2016, but the decision to sack him had already been made after his failure to qualify for Europe's premier competition.
Despite there being different figureheads at the helm of United's football operations in Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, the story could be the same for Ten Hag.
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According to ESPN, Ten Hag is aware his job isn't safe amid a disappointing season but doesn't believe Ratcliffe has decided to sack him yet.
He is said to have been fully involved in planning for the summer transfer window and United's pre-season tour of the United States.
However, the report adds that he hasn't received any formal guarantee that he will be the club's manager next season as a sporting restructure takes shape.
Sir Dave Brailsford is overseeing the changes, which have started with the appointment of Omar Berrada as chief executive.
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Dan Ashworth will become sporting director after serving his Newcastle United gardening leave, and Jason Wilcox is set to arrive as technical director.
United are also expected to hire a head of recruitment and performance director to make up a new-look team steering the ship.
ESPN claim that Ten Hag must surrender some of the significant authority he has possessed since arriving at Old Trafford to work as a cog in the machine rather than as the leading power figure.
That, rather than United’s final few months of the season, could be the primary factor in determining whether he has a future under the club’s new co-ownership.
