Manchester United 'forced to pay more to sack Erik ten Hag after FA Cup win'

The Dutchman celebrated his second trophy as Man United manager after his side claimed a 2-1 victory in Saturday's FA Cup final against local rivals Manchester City.

First-half efforts from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo proved enough to guide the Red Devils to their first FA Cup success in eight years.

Despite ending the season with silverware, it is currently unclear whether Man United will keep faith in Ten Hag for next season.

There is a belief that Ten Hag still has the backing of several key figures at Old Trafford, but one highly influential individual is said to be pushing for a change of manager.

Man United will have to pay a higher sum to sack Ten Hag

New Man United co-owners INEOS will hold an end-of-season review this week to determine whether to persist with Ten Hag or part ways ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

According to ESPN, Man United will have to pay a higher compensation package if they decide to sack Ten Hag following the club's European qualification.

With a year left to run on his contract, Ten Hag would have been eligible for a payoff even if the Red Devils failed to secure a European berth.

However, the Dutchman is now entitled to a higher sum after qualifying for next season's Europa League via the FA Cup.

Man United initially looked set to miss out on European football following a disappointing eighth-placed finish in the Premier League.

Man United left with tough decision

The decision of whether or not to sack Ten Hag has ultimately become tougher following the club's FA Cup triumph and subsequent European qualification.

Ten Hag believes that he is still at risk despite ending the campaign with a trophy, while INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made no guarantees over the manager's future.

Ratcliffe, INEOS director of sport Dave Brailsford and Man United technical director Jason Wilcox will form part of the team that will assess Man United's season and Ten Hag's performance.

While they are yet to make a final decision, the Man United hierarchy have already held talks with Brentford's Thomas Frank and former Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Thomas Tuchel and Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna have also been linked, while ex-Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi has emerged as a potential candidate.