Erik ten Hag insists he doesn't think Wednesday's game against Newcastle United is the final goodbye and he remains confident his future will stay at Old Trafford beyond this season.
The Manchester United boss has previously confirmed that the players and staff will be attending a round of appreciation after working full-time, but Ten Hag does not appear to be using it to say goodbye. Newcastle's visit will mark the Red Devils' final home game of the 2023/24 season, a game in which they will try to reclaim some dignity to prevent their worst ever Premier League result and are currently seventh in 2013 after Sir Alex Ferguson's first season after retiring.
Some fans are keen to sack Ten Hag, who has one year left on his contract he signed in 2022. A variety of managers have become potential candidates to succeed him. However, there has been no announcement about his future, which gives the boss public confidence.
Ahead of United's penultimate game of the season, Ten Hag said: "Goodbye? For me? That's not how I feel and think. "That's not how I started this round of glory for the fans, no. We were all in this together, both in good times and in bad times, and the fans showed that; We're in this together. So we're going to run a lap for honor. ”。
'In the stadium, whether it's away or at home, they (the fans) always support the team and support me. When I walk down the street, many, many people come to me, maybe it's just politeness, but I don't think so. ”。“ I almost never get a negative reaction because the fans understand where we are now. The fans understand that the club is in a period of transition and they understand the huge problems we have to face, especially the position in key areas. ”
The latest candidate to become a potential successor to the Dutchman is Brentford manager Thomas Frank. However, he later confirmed that he wanted to stay with the Bees unless a special offer came along. Manchester United will play their final game of the season on Sunday, when they travel to Brighton & Hove Albion.