Erik ten Hag's future preference revealed after Bayern Munich make contact with Man Utd manager

Although Ten Hag has come under pressure at United this season and there have not yet been any guarantees he will still be in charge come 2024-25, ESPN reports that he has made it clear to Bayern that his preference is to remain at Old Trafford, where he has a contract for another year. But a decision from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and United's new sporting hierarchy on Ten Hag's future will be delayed until after the FA Cup final on May 25.

Bayern had recently turned to Ten Hag, who was the club's second team boss between 2013 and 2015, in a bid to widen their search after a string of rejections from other candidates. ESPN notes that contact was even made with the Dutchman's camp to gauge his interest in a potential switch to Munich. Ironically, outgoing Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel would be interested in speaking to United officials if the job became available.

Bayern have struggled to nail a successor to Tuchel, who will be leaving at the end of the season regardless of whether the club wins the Champions League. Xabi Alonso pledged his allegiance to Bayer Leverkusen, while Julian Nagelsmann signed an extension to continue as Germany national team coach after talks had taken place, and Ralf Rangnick decided to turn down advances too. It has has also been reported that Roberto De Zerbi wants to stay at Brighton.

The Red Devils sit eighth and were leapfrogged by Chelsea over the weekend, ahead of facing Crystal Palace on Monday night. The season then concludes with tough games against Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton, before the chance to make it successive seasons with a major trophy for the first time since 2017 in the FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.