Manchester United are gearing up for a decisive FA Cup quarter-final tie against longtime rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.
It marks the first of two close proximity meetings with the Merseyside outfit, as they also travel to M16 for a Premier League clash on April 7.
The FA Cup marks the only prospect of silverware remaining for United this term after exiting the Champions League and Carabao Cup prior to Christmas, as well as overseeing a dismal run of form in the league that has them 17 points away from the top spot.
Such events have led to Erik ten Hag’s job security being deemed in significant threat, especially due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent arrival at the club as co-owner. He’s keen to kickstart a new era in Manchester and put United back on the pedestal that they topped for so many years.
Therefore, another trophyless season post-Sir Alex Ferguson, as well as finishing outside the top four, could see Ten Hag’s position in the dugout come to a premature end.
Carragher on pivotal United fixtures
Writing in his column with The Telegraph, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher weighed in: “It will be clearer by Sunday night if Sir Jim Ratcliffe is green-lighting or pausing the hunt for an alternative to Ten Hag to spearhead another rebuilding process.
“Given his situation, there are many who will argue the FA Cup quarter-final draw is a nightmare for Ten Hag. It could go the other way. Rather than seeing peril when facing Liverpool, he should be relishing a golden opportunity.
“A positive result can help shift the perception of him. If he goes on to win the FA Cup, perspectives of this season will radically change, especially given the calibre of opponents still in the competition.”
