‘It’s over’ – Manchester United star ‘reveals’ Erik ten Hag’s replacement

A current Manchester United player has hinted at Erik ten Hag’s potential successor, with former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer suggesting England manager Gareth Southgate could be in line for the job.

McAteer, who declined to name the player, indicated there was a belief within the team that the Ten Hag might not be at the helm beyond this season. The Dutch manager’s second season in charge has been challenging and looks set to end on a lower note than last year’s third-place finish.

After a home defeat to Arsenal, United’s chances of securing European football are in jeopardy. A loss against Newcastle in their next game would mean they must triumph over Manchester City in the FA Cup final to qualify for next season’s European competition.

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In the wake of the recent loss, United also set an undesirable record, which led to increased scrutiny of the Ten Hag’s position. While an official announcement on his future is not expected until after the FA Cup final, McAteer has shared information from a conversation with a United player that suggests a managerial change could be imminent.

McAteer discussed the details on beIN Sports, recounting his interaction: “He plays for Man United and I had a chat with him on Friday, I bumped into him because I live just outside the area,” he revealed, as reported The Mail.

“I got into the conversation, big boy, and I asked him (about) the end of the season and what he thought and he didn’t give me any inclination that the manager would be there to stay. We actually talked about different names and who we thought they were. he will fit in well and I have had no inclination from him”.

When pressed by host Richard Keys, McAteer appeared to indicate that Southgate was the name that brought a positive reaction from the player. “Footballers have a tendency when the manager’s job is on the line and obviously I know and I felt it was done, it was done,” he added.

McAteer later tried to clarify his comments on social media. “First of all, no Manchester United player has said anything to me…nothing !!!! and he certainly didn’t enjoy what he thought, in fact all he did was smile at my question,” he claimed.

“My conclusion was based on my assumptions of nobody else’s. Oh and maybe Manchester United’s results and performances.”

Southgate has responded to recent links with the United job, insisting speculation over his future will not be a distraction ahead of Euro 2024. “Well, for me, it’s not a problem and it never has been,” he told the BBC .

“I’ve got to deliver a successful tour for England and there’s enough work in that. I think everyone would expect that’s where my focus should be. There’s always going to be speculation about managers because if you lose a few games, you’re in trouble – win a few games and it’s a different agenda.

“But for me, this (Euro 2024) is a brilliant opportunity. We’re looking forward to the tournament. I’m focused on how to go one step further than we did at the last Euros.”

Ten Hag also spoke about speculation over his own future. “Any manager can do better, but also, I’ve been here for two years and I’ve had a full group of players once,” he said after the defeat against Arsenal.

“You can’t progress a team in certain key areas with so many injuries, it’s like swimming with your hands on your back and you have to keep your head above water, that’s what we’re trying to do.

“We’re still in a cup final. It’s good. But if you want to progress in a team, you need fit players and you see our opponent today, they had one player, not 100 percent, and we have had so many.”

“I don’t like reactions, but you always have to be there, you always have to be up to par when you’re Man United. But if it happens, you need a reaction and the players gave the reaction.”