Louis van Gaal gives verdict on whether Erik ten Hag should be sacked by Man Utd

Louis van Gaal admits Erik ten Hag has ‘not done fantastically’ as Manchester United manager but believes his compatriot should be given more time and avoid the sack.

The Dutchman, two weeks on from masterminding United’s FA Cup final triumph, remains in limbo.

Reports prior to United’s Wembley triumph suggested that Sir Jim Ratcliffe had already made up his mind to dispense with Ten Hag, regardless of the result against Manchester City.

Ultimately, the Red Devils pulled off a major upset which boosted Ten Hag’s chances of securing a third season at the helm.

Van Gaal, meanwhile, feels a measure of sympathy for the former Ajax boss who could suffer the same fate that befell him in 2016 after he was dismissed in the immediate aftermath of an FA Cup final win.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Van Gaal said: Yes of course (he should not be sacked). But I needed also more time at Manchester United.

‘I also won the FA Cup and before me for 20 years nobody has got the FA Cup. Now Erik is winning the FA Cup and also first year qualifying for the Champions League so I don’t think you have to sack him.

‘He needs more time but I can also be more critical. He has not done it ‘fantastically you can give criticism but he has also shown he is a good manager.’

Aside from the ongoing season review, Gareth Southgate’s status as United’s ‘priority’ target is also causing a delay.

The England manager is said to be interested in the idea of becoming United’s manager but will not contemplate his future or discuss it until after the Euros.

Speaking last month, Southgate addressed the speculation linking him with TenHag’s job and said: ‘I’m not a big gambling man and bookies, they can make their odds but it’s not conversations that’s been had with me.

‘I’ve got one thing to focus on. That’s having as successful a tournament with England as possible. Everything else outside of that is a complete irrelevance to me.’

United are still considering a number of alternatives including the likes of Brentford’s Thomas Frank, but former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has fallen down the pecking order.