Manchester United has affirmed its decision to retain Erik ten Hag as the club’s manager following a thorough two-week end-of-season review. Despite the extended evaluation period, the club deemed it necessary and reasonable, ultimately deciding to keep the Dutchman at the helm. Talks are now underway to extend his contract, which is set to expire at the end of the 2024/25 season. The focus has also shifted to summer recruitment strategies as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
During the review period, there were speculations about Ten Hag’s future, especially following the FA Cup final last month. Despite facing rumors of an impending dismissal, regardless of the final’s outcome, Ten Hag led Manchester United to a surprising victory over Manchester City. While on holiday, he awaited the club’s decision, concerned that the prolonged review might hinder their transfer plans and preparations for next season. However, the BBC reports that United’s new ownership, which joined midseason, needed adequate time to make an informed decision.
Following the review, Ten Hag engaged in positive discussions with the club’s executives, expressing his delight at their decision to continue with him as manager. As he gears up for his third season, Ten Hag is eager to improve on what was the club’s worst-ever Premier League season, where they finished eighth and set unwanted records with their defensive performance. Nevertheless, their FA Cup win secured them a spot in European competition.
In the background, other managerial candidates had been considered. Thomas Tuchel, who recently left Bayern Munich, reportedly spoke with new United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe but ruled himself out of the running. Additionally, interest in Mauricio Pochettino cooled after his departure from Chelsea, indicating a clear preference to stick with Ten Hag.
Ratcliffe has openly acknowledged the challenging environment at Old Trafford that has contributed to a lack of sustained managerial success over the past decade. To address these issues, he has brought in skilled professionals like Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox to bolster the club’s expertise and create a more supportive environment for the coaching staff.
In summary, Manchester United has chosen to back Erik ten Hag, giving him the opportunity to build on his work and address the shortcomings of the past season. With the club’s commitment to improving their infrastructure and strategic planning, there is optimism for a more successful campaign ahead.