STAY ON AS REDS BOSS? IT’S LOGICAL

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ERIK TEN HAG says “common sense” dictates he should be in charge of Manchester United next season.

Ten Hag has been given no assurances by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his new United football operations team that he will stay in charge at Old Trafford. United, who have suffered a chronic injury crisis this season, have slumped to eighth in the table and on course for their worst finish of the Premier League era. Louis van Gaal was sacked by United in 2016, despite winning the FA Cup, and it’s possible Ten Hag (above) could suffer the same fate as his Dutch compatriot. Asked if he feared that scenario, he said: “No. I think they (United’s bosses) have common sense. They have seen us use 32 different backlines and lose eight centre-backs. And at times we have not had a left-back. They know that will have a negative impact on results but we’re still fighting and through to the FA Cup final.

“It can be a highlight of the season but right now we know why we are underperforming. No team would perform with these injuries.” Despite the silence from Ratcliffe regarding Ten Hag’s future, the Dutchman insists he is not concerned. “You have to ask the owners this question, not me,” said Ten Hag when asked if it would help if Ratcliffe publicly backed him and confirmed he will remain in charge next season.

“I don’t care if they do or they don’t (publicly back him). I’m working on improving and developing my team, that is my job here.”

Ten Hag said skipper Bruno Fernandes and striker Marcus Rashford are back training and available to face Arsenal tomorrow. But Luke Shaw and Mason Mount have both had setbacks in their recovery from injury, with the former now a major doubt to make Euro 2024.

“We have some doubts, players are fighting to be available and they all try,” Ten Hag said. “Licha (Lisandro Martinez) came to me and wants to play on Sunday against Arsenal but he’s not ready, he needs more time.

“I will never gamble on a player, never. The most important thing is that the safety and health of the player is at a high level.

“It’s very unfortunate for Mason, very unlucky. We have so many injuries, it’s difficult for all of us, particularly the fans. They show unity and, when things are going bad, you stick together.”

United, who lost three of their opening five Premier League games this season, follow tomorrow’s clash against Arsenal with another home match, against Newcastle. They visit Brighton on the last day of the Premier League season and a week later take on Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley.

Ten Hag would do well not to glance at latest bookmaker odds. United are quoted at 8-1 merely to make the top six. And they are 7-1 to beat Manchester City inside 90 minutes at Wembley. City are red-hot favourites at 1-3.

‘Cup final can be highlight of the season but we’re underperforming’