Jason McAteer has moved to clarify a conversation he had with a Manchester United player regarding Erik ten Hag's future and the Dutchman's potential replacement at Old Trafford.
Speaking on beIN Sports with Richard Keys and Andy Gray, the former Ireland winger indicated that he had a chat with a current Red Devils star after bumping into him in the area where they both live.
McAteer said that the unnamed player suggested that Ten Hag's time as Man United boss is coming to an end, and gave a strong hint that England manager Gareth Southgate will be the man taking up the reins at Old Trafford.
"I won't name names," said McAteer. "He plays for Man United. I had a conversation with him on Friday. Great lad. I asked him about end of the season and what he thought.
"He gave me no inclination that the manager was there to stay. In fact, we spoke about different names and who would be a good fit."
Jason McAteer rows back on Ten Hag comments
McAteer replied "no" when Keys suggested that Thomas Tuchel and Jose Mourinho were the names discussed with the player but said "yeah, that was the name" when Keys mentioned Southgate."I just got the feeling it's done," he added.
McAteer's comments were shared widely online but he came out on Monday to clarify what he meant.
"Firstly I was told nothing by any Manchester United player," he posted on Twitter. "He certainly didn’t reveal what he thought, in fact all he did was smile at my question. My conclusion was based on my assumptions no one else’s. Oh and Manchester United’s results and performances maybe."
In another post, McAteer wrote: "To be honest his English isn’t great," which would appear to narrow things down for anyone wanting to know which Manchester United player he was speaking to.
Firstly I was told nothing by any Manchester United player … nothing !!!! and he certainly didn’t revel what he thought in fact all he did was smile at my question. My conclusion was based on my assumptions no one else’s. Oh and Manchester United’s results and performances maybe
— Jason Mcateer (@MCATEER4) May 13, 2024
Erik ten Hag under increasing pressure at Man United
After a disastrous run of results recently, Ten Hag's job would appear to be on the line but any United player speaking about the situation was likely only going off their own opinion.
Southgate distanced himself from the job earlier this week as he focuses on Euro 2024 with England, while the latest reports on Tuesday suggest that Brentford boss Thomas Frank is in the frame.
See Also: Reports: Manchester United Woes Could Lead To Bruno Fernandes Exit
