Manchester United told Erik ten Hag 'already knows' his sacking is imminent

Wesley Sneijder believes Erik ten Hag “already knows” he has to leave Manchester United at the end of the season.

The former Ajax manager has struggled to build on what was a promising first year in charge of the Red Devils in which he won the Carabao Cup, delivered Champions League qualification and reached the FA Cup final.

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group now in charge of football operations too, a change in the dugout has been predicted.

United’s new technical director in Jason Wilcox is reviewing the Dutchman’s position amid links with the likes of Gareth Southgate and Roberto De Zerbi.

There is an expectation Ten Hag will be sacked following a turbulent campaign, with Ajax keen on appointing him again having struggled since his departure in 2022.

Ten Hag continues to insist his team are tracking along the right lines and described them as one of the “most dynamic and exciting” teams in the Premier League after Saturday's draw with Burnley.

Still, Sneijder – who was often linked with a move to Old Trafford during his glittering playing career – believes Ten Hag is more than aware that the writing is already on the wall.

“Of course he already knows that he has to leave,” he Dutch TV show Veronica Offside.

“But you’re not going to go yourself. If I was him, I would sit there comfortably [until he’s sacked].”

Ten Hag could yet lead his side to a top-fix finish, as well as to the FA Cup. They lead seventh-placed Newcastle by a point and meet rivals Manchester City at Wembley next month.