Man Utd's decision to sack Erik ten Hag 'complicated' by contract clause

Manchester United would have to pay a higher compensation fee than previously planned if they were to sack Erik ten Hag, according to a report.

Ten Hag's future was called into question throughout a largely disappointing 2023/24 season in which the Red Devils finished eighth - their lowest-ever return in the Premier League era.

But after leading United to a surprise FA Cup final win against rivals Manchester City on Saturday, momentum is gaining over the possibility of Ten Hag staying, despite reports on the eve of the victory claiming that the club had already decided to sack him.

The Times now report that if United were to push through with plans to fire Ten Hag, he would be owed a higher compensation fee due to his success in the FA Cup. United would have been able to sack him for cheaper if they had lost to City, owing to a clause in his contract related to participation in Europe, but winning the cup has seen them secure qualification to the Europa League.

Ten Hag, on his part, wants United to decide on his future sooner rather than later so he knows whether he should begin applying for jobs. The Dutchman revealed last week that he has received offers to manage other clubs, though his focus has always been on the task at hand at Old Trafford.

United will evaluate Ten Hag's position as part of their end-of-season review, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Avram Glazer, Sir Dave Brailsford and Jason Wilcox deciding on his fate. Ten Hag still has a year left to run on his contract with the club.

Various managers have been linked with the United job in recent weeks, including Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi. However, former coach Kieran McKenna is in line to stay with Ipswich Town despite strong links regarding a return to Old Trafford.

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