Revealed: When Man Utd will make final decision on Erik ten Hag amid strong sack calls with some players believing his 'fate is sealed' after Crystal Palace humiliation

Following Tuesday night's humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace, former United players, including Michael Owen and Paul Scholes, called for Ten Hag's immediate dismissal, with suggestions that his assistant, Steve McClaren, could potentially fill in on an interim basis. Despite the public outcry, according to Telegraph Sport, United have no plans to part ways with Ten Hag before the FA Cup final showdown against eternal rivals Manchester City on May 25.

Nonetheless, the report adds that there is feeling among the squad members that Ten Hag's fate is already "sealed" and he will be shown the door at the end of the campaign. There are said to be communication issues between the manager and the players, while there is a larger belief that the manager lacks "motivational skills and empathy" which have exacerbated concerns regarding his leadership this season.

Qualification for either the Europa League or the Europa Conference League remains a possibility, but United must pick up maximum points in their remaining league fixtures to stand a chance and simultaneously hope that other results go in their favour. Winning the FA Cup would offer a direct route to Europa League qualification, although overcoming Manchester City in the final presents a daunting task.

Currently languishing in eighth place in the Premier League table, United face an arduous task in their remaining fixtures against Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Brighton. They have their backs against the wall and this could inspire them to play fearless football when they host Mikel Arteta's troops on Sunday in a Premier League fixture.