Erik ten Hag’s tenure at Manchester United has been marked by both triumphs and challenges, with the club now reviewing his second season before making a decision about his future.

Despite speculation surrounding potential replacements, United officials have not ruled out the possibility of retaining Ten Hag as manager for the upcoming season. The Dutchman, who guided the club to their 13th FA Cup triumph, is currently under contract until next year, with the option of an additional year.

While United have considered various candidates for the managerial position and engaged in discussions with intermediaries, they emphasize that a thorough review of the season will precede any decision-making process.

One potential candidate, Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna, withdrew from contention for the Chelsea job, expressing a preference for Manchester United. However, McKenna is taking his time to assess his options after achieving promotion with Ipswich Town.

Meanwhile, Chelsea appear to favor Leicester coach Enzo Maresca as Mauricio Pochettino’s successor, with former Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi also in consideration. Pochettino and former Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel are reportedly interested in the United managerial position.

Pochettino, in particular, has long harbored a desire to manage United, and his candidacy was previously favored by the majority of players in 2022 before Ten Hag was appointed.

Despite external speculation suggesting Ten Hag’s imminent dismissal due to United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League, the club’s co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has refrained from providing assurances about Ten Hag’s future. Ratcliffe views structural issues within the club as a key concern and has made changes at the executive level, appointing Omar Berrada as chief executive and pursuing Dan Ashworth as sporting director.

Although United’s league performance this season was disappointing, their FA Cup victory secured Europa League qualification, with Ten Hag becoming the first manager since Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011 to secure silverware in successive seasons.

As United prepare for a squad rebuild, they remain open to offers for most players apart from a select few. Despite significant investment in signings under Ten Hag’s leadership, the club continues to evaluate its options for the future.