The New York Times' Rory Smith told the Monday Night Club that the "writing is on the wall" for Erik Ten Hag to be replaced at Manchester United, adding that the Red Devils have "massively regressed" under the Dutchman this season.
Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given added that it "doesn't look good" for Ten Hag ahead of Ineos' introduction at Old Trafford.
Listen to the full episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesThe kick-off details for the FA Cup final have been confirmed.
Manchester United and Manchester City will meet at Wembley on Saturday 25 May at 15:00 BST.
Here is a selection of the key facts and figures before Manchester United host Sheffield United in the Premier League on Wednesday (20:00 BST kick-off).
Manchester United have won just one of their past seven Premier League games and are without a victory in their past four. They last had a longer run without a league win in April/May 2019.
The Blades have lost their past five midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) Premier League games, shipping at least two goals in all four so far this term.
Manchester United have faced 20 or more shots in each of their past six Premier League games (157 total - 26.2 per game). Only Blackpool have had a longer such run since Opta started collecting data in 2003-04.
No Sheffield United player has been directly involved in more Premier League goals this season than Gustavo Hamer (four goals, five assists). He is one goal away from becoming only the third player to record five or more goals and five or more assists in a Premier League season for the Blades, after Brian Deane in 1992-93 (15 goals, 10 assists), and Dane Whitehouse in 1993-94 (five goals, six assists).
Bruno Fernandes has scored five goals in his past five league games, including in the past three. Only once has he scored in four consecutive league games for the Red Devils, doing so in February 2021 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesErik ten Hag was on the front foot during Tuesday's pre-Sheffield United news conference.
The Manchester United boss was mildly irritated by being asked after Sunday's FA Cup semi-final penalty shootout victory over Coventry City if he was embarrassed by his team's performance.
Clearly that irritation has been festering over the intervening couple of days because he was ready with the answer, turning the criticism on the media.
And given I asked the first question, the answer was aimed at me.
I do not take that personally - and, in any case, Ten Hag is allowed to criticise who he likes.
But it is naive to believe he can manage a club the size of United, come within a toenail of being knocked out of the FA Cup by a lower league club - having been 3-0 up with 20 minutes left - and neutral observers not think they have been somewhat fortunate.
Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter
Manager Erik ten Hag has spoken to the media before Manchester United host Sheffield United in the Premier League on Wednesday (20:00 BST kick-off).
Here are the main lines from his news conference:
On if he understands why external reaction to Sunday's FA Cup semi-final win over Coventry City on penalties has been more like that to a defeat: "No. Absolutely not. Someone asked the question after the game, 'is it embarrassing?' No, the reaction from you [the media] was embarrassing. Top football is about results. We made it to a final. To reach the final twice, in two years, is magnificent. For me, as a manager - four cup finals in four years. The comments are a disgrace."
On Antony celebration after the shootout, when he cupped his ears at the defeated Coventry players: "He was provoked. You saw the reaction not the provocation. But he should not do it."
On working with new technical director Jason Wilcox: "We will be very close. We have to form a partnership, that is very important. I met him for the first time yesterday. This week is busy, but next week we will speak. We are a little behind in the process so we will speed it up."
On the injury situation: "We had a problem with Garnacho - that's why we took him off during the game, but I think he will be fine. We have to assess Scott McTominay but he is really doubtful. Marcus Rashford is also doubtful. Bruno Fernandes has an issue with his hand but I think he can make it."
On Nottingham Forest's public statement on VAR Stuart Attwell and their defeat at Everton on Sunday: "You can't do that. You can agree or disagree. The handball for Wan-Bissaka [on Sunday] was totally wrong. It was a mistake but you can't question it. We should respect them referees."
Follow all of Tuesday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Brentford striker Neal Maupay has offered a tongue-in-cheek take on Antony's celebrations against Coventry City.
Maupay, who infamously mocked Tottenham midfielder James Maddison's goal celebration earlier this year, posted "not even I would do this" to BBC Match of the Day on X.
At the conclusion of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final shootout after a 3-3 draw following extra time, Antony was spotted cupping his ears in victory at the deflated Sky Blues players, despite coming on as a substitute when Manchester United were winning 3-0.
His behaviour was a stark contrast to that of captain Harry Maguire, who immediately went to shake the opposing players' hands.
Ex-Coventry forward Clinton Morrison also criticised Antony on BBC Radio 5 Live, saying: "He needs to concentrate on himself because he could be playing in the Championship next season."
There were strong words on The Devils' Advocate podcast in the aftermath of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final.
Manchester United secured a spot in a showpiece final but the manner of their collapse and the close shave against Coventry City has left many scratching heads.
Take a look at our clip above or listen to the 'Lost for Words' episode here
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton spoke to the Monday Night Club about Manchester United's drop in performance during their FA Cup semi-final victory against Coventry.
"I think their performance after 70 minutes was pretty symptomatic of the way Manchester United have played this season. They lost control, they couldn't regain control and that's been the issue all season," said Sutton.
Listen to the full episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's the Monday night club here
Alex Turk
Fan writer
On the day Sir Jim Ratcliffe ran his eighth London Marathon, he will have left Wembley feeling like he had completed two laps after watching Manchester United just about book their place in a record 22nd FA Cup final.
The mood among United fans after Rasmus Hojlund's penalty ended Coventry City’s incredible onslaught was like nothing I’ve experienced before.
It felt like VAR hadn’t disallowed that last-gasp winner. It felt as if the final nail was in Erik ten Hag’s coffin. Maybe because it still is.
The Dutchman will rightly be under intensified scrutiny after a second half of similar embarrassment as the one in which Liverpool scored six of their goals in last season’s 7-0 mauling.
His players can’t escape the blame. They crumbled at the slightest sniff of adversity. Again.
But it is also damning for Ten Hag that his £86m signing - Antony - produced the most shameful act of the day after coming on when United led 3-0.
Antony was spotted cupping his ears in victory at Coventry’s spirited players hours after referring to Coventry as "Covertry" on social media.
In doing so, he demonstrated the profile of character Ineos must avoid and remove as they transform the club’s frail culture.
Alex Turk can be found at Stretford Paddock, external
Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests. For this week's matches on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, he takes on actor Zack Morris, star of new thriller film Jericho Ridge.
Sutton's prediction: 2-0
I am going to predict a Manchester United win here.
There was a guy who was quite abusive to me on X so I promised him I would pick Manchester United victories for the rest of the season, after I backed Coventry to beat them in the FA Cup.
I was nearly correct about Coventry too - as manager Mark Robins put it after their defeat, I was a toenail away from getting that one right.
As much as anything, it was the way Manchester United fell apart after being 3-0 up that was the worry for them on Sunday, but they did get through in the end.
I don't think this is a particularly good game for Erik ten Hag's side to face next though, against the team at the bottom of the table with nothing to lose.
The Manchester United players probably won't relish being expected to win easily again, just as they were against Coventry, but even they should be able to beat Sheffield United - surely.
Zack's prediction: 4-0
What does the future hold for Marcus Rashford at Manchester United?
United fan Kim told The Devils' Advocate the dynamic is perhaps becoming "untenable" between the striker and the club's fans.
Take a look at our clip and listen to the full 'Lost for Words' episode here.
Erik ten Hag's credentials will be assessed by new Manchester United technical directorJason Wilcox before the club make a decision on the Dutchman's future. (Telegraph), external
Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi is a leading candidate to replace Ten Hag if he leaves Old Trafford. (Teamtalk), external
Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel would take the United job if he was offered it. (Sports Zone - in French), external
Arsenal and Manchester United have joined the race to sign Crystal Palace and France winger Michael Olise, 22, but face competition from Chelsea, Manchester City and Juventus. (Football Insider), external
Manchester United have made Everton and England Under-21s defender Jarrad Branthwaite, 21, a top target for this summer and want to agree an early deal. (Football Insider), external
The team at The Devils' Advocate believe Sunday's shootout win over Coventry City was indicative of the players and manager Erik Ten Hag's mentality after they let a 3-0 lead slip in the second half.
Presenter Gaz Drinkwater said: "Yesterday proved the players do not have the right mentality to be a success at Manchester United. They were arrogant and got to 3-0 at 60 minutes and thought this was easy. It is embarrassing. The mentality of those footballers, comes from the top, comes from the manager, the fact they gave up is because they thought it was done. Yesterday was a perfect example of what's wrong with Erik Ten Hag at Manchester United. He will do a lot with an intelligent footballing team but he has a team that does not have the correct mentality and needs it instilled in them and Ten Hag is not the man to instil it."
Joe McGrath added: "If I could see Manchester United were not going to hold up and Coventry were going to come back, I do wonder what the communication was like 70 mins onwards to players on the pitch from the coaches on the side. Was there any? I can say the players let the coaching staff down but I do tend to see it 50/50 with some responsibility going on Ten hag for the collapse. There was something we should have done beforehand and implemented that whenever we get a lead we protect it, but this just did not happen."
You can listen to Gaz and Joe on The Devils' Advocate podcast here
Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesMonday, 22 April marks Earth Day - a day in the international calendar that provides the opportunity to reflect, make change and understand more about sustainability and the impacts of climate change.
Sport and football are not immune to these issues and there has been increasing awareness of their relationship to the environment over the past few years.
Football has a global footprint and, as it continues to grow, it has been subject to questions and criticism over some of the decisions that could hinder efforts in reducing its impact, including expanding Uefa cup competitions and the men's Fifa World Cup.
The effects of adverse weather related to climate change has been increasingly felt, with a study last year showing extreme weather has affected 40% of football players and spectators.
But, football and its fanbase also have an opportunity to be part of the solution, with clubs like Forest Green Rovers showing how the sport's environmental footprint can be reduced.
We have taken a look into some of the key things Manchester United are doing to become more sustainable:
They are now developing a net-zero target and milestones to reduce their carbon footprint.
The club's kits continue to be made using fully recycled polyester.
They have a zero waste to landfill policy and unused perishable food is donated to local foodbanks on matchdays.
Rainwater harvesting has been installed to use in pitch irrigation at the training ground and steps have been taken to manage water use at the club.
They actively manage the biodiversity of the Carrington Nature Reserve and use it as an educational tool.
One important area all Premier League clubs can address to reduce their carbon footprint is their travel, as shown in BBC Sport research.
Why is this important?
Football For Future is a non-profit organisation working with stakeholders across football to create a more environmentally sustainable culture and founder Elliot Arthur-Worsop told BBC Sport: "Climate change will be the defining challenge of our generation, and the future of football will be affected too.
"We're already seeing the impacts, with more than 120,000 English grassroots games being called off annually, and major tournaments such as the World Cup and Afcon being moved because of extreme weather.
"Beyond the pitch, the climate crisis threatens livelihoods and global food and water security.
"With its unparalleled social influence, football has an opportunity to inspire global climate action, from micro-behaviours to essential policy change."
What would you like to see your club do more (or less) of to be greener?
BBC chief footballer writer Phil McNulty answers your questions on all things Premier League.
Alex from Reading asked: Is there a way back for Erik ten Hag at Man Utd with a potential FA Cup win?
Phil answered: Winning the FA Cup may yet alter the argument, Alex, but even that may not be enough. It is very rare that an FA Cup semi-final win increases pressure on a manager but I’m afraid the shambolic nature of Manchester United’s last 20 minutes has done exactly that for Ten Hag.
It was a performance that further damaged the standing of Ten Hag and United’s players. If ever an FA Cup semi-final win can be regarded as an embarrassment, Manchester United’s win over Coventry City might just fall into that category.
Yusuf asked: Should Manchester United stick with Ten Hag for next season, to save on early contract release costs and so other teams get their new bosses lined up, and wait for Xabi Alonso to become available and take over?
Phil replied: The debate is out there again this morning, Yusuf, isn’t it? You must assume decisions of this magnitude have already been taken but that performance in the FA Cup semi-final surely damaged Ten Hag’s case to keep his job.
The only thing that might save Ten Hag is if United’s new leadership feels he has been held back by the poor structure that has hampered his predecessors at Old Trafford and deserves a chance under the new set-up but his future must surely be in doubt, even more so after yesterday.
I actually think Xabi Alonso’s strong links with Liverpool would stop him taking the Manchester United job – and anyway Real Madrid might have him in their sights by then.
Vicky Gaskin from West Kirby: What are your thoughts on Antony cupping his ears towards the Coventry City players at the end of the penalty shootout yesterday?
Phil replied: I have lots of thoughts on this, Vicky. I thought Antony’s reaction was cheap, embarrassing and said a lot more about him and his attitude than it did about Coventry City’s players. It lacked class – unlike Harry Maguire who went straight to console United’s opponents and showed real class.
The sight of a player taunting fellow professionals who have just lost in the most agonising manner imaginable is an awful look.
Erik ten Hag should pull Antony in and tell him better must be expected from a Manchester United player.
And let’s not forget United were winning 3-0 when Antony came on so he hardly had cause to taunt anyone.
