Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag 'expecting the sack' if his side loses Coventry FA Cup clash

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag 'expecting the sack' if his side loses Coventry FA Cup clash

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Man Utd prepare for Coventry FA Cup clash

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 21/04/2024

- 14:39

Updated: 21/04/2024

- 14:47

The Red Devils are hoping to win the famous competition for the first time since 2016, back when Louis van Gaal was manager

Former Manchester United star Dion Dublin thinks Erik ten Hag will be expecting the sack if his Coventry beat his side in their FA Cup semi-final showdown today.

The Red Devils are hoping to make the final of the competition for the second year in a row, having lost to Manchester City at Wembley last season.


United have endured a turbulent campaign under Ten Hag, with the Dutchman seeing his side regress after a positive first season at the helm.

Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi are some of the candidates being linked with the Dutchman's job amid the uncertainty over his long-term future.

Man Utd news Erik ten Hag Coventry

Man Utd news: Erik ten Hag is preparing his team for today's crunch FA Cup semi-final showdown with Coventry at Wembley

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And Dublin, who p[layed for both United and Coventry, thinks Ten Hag will be expecting the sack if his side are unable to beat Coventry, who currently sit eighth in the Championship table.

Speaking to BoyleSports who offer the latest FA Cup betting, he said: "There will be plenty of pressure on Erik ten Hag if United lose to Coventry.

"I've interviewed Erik three times now and I like him as a bloke, he comes across well talking about the club and the team and I think he understands the pressure on him, it’s also going to be severe at Manchester United.

"I don’t think Erik ten Hag worries about it, but the pressure of this game against Coventry is huge, absolutely massive.

"Whether he gets over the line or not, I don't know.

"I don’t know if he will get sacked if they lose, but I think he’ll be expecting it if United don’t make the final."

One player who starts for United today is Kobbie Mainoo.

While it's been a dire season for the Red Devils, the teenager has been a shining light.

And Dublin thinks the England international stands out from his peers, while also urging the 19-year-old to maintain his high standards.

"I’ve never known a young kid to do what Kobbie Mainoo is doing, to be as confident as him at Manchester United will put all that pressure on him, for England as well," he added.

"The worry with Mainoo is that he has to keep his standards high in order to stand out.

"He has to keep doing what he does and not get sucked into bad habits.

"He set himself such a high standard, but if he can keep that going, there's no there's no ceiling for him.

"He's just an amazing player to watch and Manchester United could start to build a little something around him.

"I think he's going to be at Old Trafford for a long time."

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Man Utd news Dion Dublin Erik ten Hag

Man Utd news: Dion Dublin has opened up on Erik ten Hag ahead of the Red Devils' FA Cup clash with Coventry

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As for Dublin's prediction, he thinks Coventry will push United all the way.

But he feels the Championship outfit will be satisfied with their season, regardless of what happens in the capital today.

"I expect extra time and potentially penalties," he admitted.

"I just think it'll go all the way. I don't think it's going to be an easy win at all, I think it will be 2-2.

"I’d like to see that too because Coventry fans deserve a great day out and it’s going to be an amazing day."

Man Utd news Kobbie Mainoo

Man Utd news: Dion Dublin has lavished praise on Kobbie Mainoo ahead of the Red Devils' FA Cup battle with Coventry

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He continued: "Even if Coventry City do get beaten by Manchester United, I think the fans are happy with what they're watching.

"They’re working class fans in Coventry, working class families who work Monday to Friday and want to see their team play well at the weekend and they’re seeing really good stuff.

"I don't think there'll be a load of fear going into this game against United because they know in Ellis Simms they’ve got somebody in really good form."

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