Red Devils Reach Verdict On Erik Ten Hag
Following the club’s end-of-season review, it has been decided that Erik ten Hag will remain as manager of Manchester United, David Ornstein reports. The review was conducted by United’s new part-owners INEOS and the club are now in talks with Ten Hag over a contract extension.
The Dutch manager joined the Red Devils from Ajax in 2022 and penned a three-year deal with the club.
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Erik ten Hag to stay as Manchester United manager. #MUFC end-of-season review culminated with decision to keep 54yo in position. After talks today Dutchman will remain at Old Trafford + hold negotiations over contract extension @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/tAzM2Ld378
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 11, 2024
Why have United kept Erik Ten Hag?
After a dismal league campaign, it looked as though the writing was on the wall for Ten Hag and his United career.
The Red Devils finished the season in eighth, their lowest ever position in a Premier League campaign and had been knocked out of the UEFA Champions League at the group stages.
The only remaining glimmer of hope for Ten Hag’s men was the chance for domestic silverware as they faced arch-rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
In what was a shock to many, United produced an outstanding first-half display with goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo giving them a 2-0 lead at the break. Despite a late Jeremy Doku goal, the Red Devils held firm and won their 13th FA Cup, the second most of any team. The result also secured them qualification to the UEFA Europa League for the 2024/25 campaign, demoting Chelsea to the UEFA Conference League in the process.
Despite the FA Cup triumph, there is no doubt that Ten Hag will still be disappointed with how the season panned out especially compared to their third-place league finish in 2022/23.
However, had the Dutchman not ended the season with domestic glory, there is every chance he would have been out of a job for the 2024/25 season.
Erik ten Hag is the first manager to win a major domestic cup final against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
— Squawka (@Squawka) May 25, 2024
Mic drop… 🎤 pic.twitter.com/pFaZRVcm59
Were United interested in any other managers?
Following the outcome, BBC Sport have revealed that Ten Hag is delighted to be staying at the club, although there are rumours that he was growing irritated with how long it took for a decision to be made.
Prior to the FA Cup final, there were many reports suggesting that Ten Hag would be relieved of his duties, no matter the result. This led to various rumours about potential successors if the ex-Ajax boss was to depart the club.
Of those rumours, Thomas Tuchel brought the strongest links and reportedly spoke to United co-owner Sir Jam Ratcliffe just a week ago. However, the ex-Bayern Munich boss swiftly downplayed these rumours and ruled himself out of the running. Newly available Mauricio Pochettino, Brentford’s Thomas Frank and England boss Gareth Southgate were also amongst those suggested as possible replacements.
🚨🔴 EXCL: Thomas Tuchel NOT planning to take Man United job, he wants to take a break not coaching any club this summer.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 9, 2024
Tuchel currently decided not to continue in talks with United after meeting in the recent weeks.
🇳🇱 United, deciding on Erik ten Hag future soon. pic.twitter.com/J0vQWzdICu
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