Ten Hag to Remain Man Utd Manager After Post-Season Review

Erik Ten Hag will remain as manager of Manchester United following a comprehensive post-season review conducted by the club’s board. The board is now engaged in discussions with Ten Hag about extending his contract, which is entering its final season.

The review was initiated immediately after the FA Cup final. Prior to the match against Manchester City at Wembley, there were reports suggesting Ten Hag would be dismissed regardless of the outcome. However, United’s 2-1 victory allowed the board to approach the review more favorably.

“Constructive conversations” with Ten Hag have taken place regarding the review’s outcome. Despite considering all eventualities, the board’s clear preference was for the 54-year-old Dutchman to continue in his role.

Ten Hag, who was on holiday with his family in Ibiza, expressed delight at the decision on Tuesday, though there were indications he was frustrated by the time taken for the conclusion. United officials, however, deemed two weeks a reasonable period for a thorough assessment, especially in light of the recent change in ownership.

Last week, Thomas Tuchel reportedly spoke with new United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe but ruled himself out of the running. Additionally, the club’s interest in Mauricio Pochettino waned, even though he was available after leaving Chelsea. Other potential candidates, including Graham Potter, Thomas Frank, Roberto de Zerbi, and England manager Gareth Southgate, were linked to the position. However, Brentford was never contacted about Frank, and Southgate’s commitments with England made his appointment this summer impractical.

Ten Hag took charge at Old Trafford in summer 2022, becoming United’s fifth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, following David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Before joining United, Ten Hag enjoyed a successful four-and-a-half-year tenure at Ajax, winning three Eredivisie titles and two Dutch Cups.

In his debut season, Ten Hag led United to third place in the Premier League and reached both the EFL Cup and FA Cup finals. He secured his first trophy as United manager in February 2023 with a victory over Newcastle in the EFL Cup. However, the team lost to Manchester City in the FA Cup final three months later.

The 2023-24 season proved challenging, marked by an early exit from the Champions League after finishing bottom of their group. United started poorly, with six defeats in their first 10 games, including losses to Galatasaray and Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Despite the FA Cup final win, the team only secured five victories in their final 12 matches across all competitions.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group acquired a 27.7% stake in the club in December. Since then, new director Sir David Brailsford has been reviewing football operations at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe had previously hinted at retaining Ten Hag, citing the “environment” at the club as not conducive to managerial success.

“In the last 11 years, Manchester United have had a lot of coaches and nobody has been very successful in that environment. That says to me there is something wrong with the environment,” said Ratcliffe.

With Ten Hag confirmed to stay, United can now focus on rebuilding after a difficult campaign and exploring the transfer market. Last summer, Ten Hag was supported with the signings of Andre Onana, Mason Mount, and Rasmus Hojlund.

Throughout his tenure, Ten Hag has dealt with various off-field issues. Mason Greenwood joined Getafe on loan after an internal investigation determined his future lay away from Old Trafford. Winger Antony was given leave following allegations in Brazil from a former girlfriend, which he denies. Additionally, Jadon Sancho was dropped from the squad early in the season after refusing to apologize to Ten Hag for accusing him of making Sancho a “scapegoat.”

At the end of a turbulent season, United’s decision to retain Ten Hag came after careful consideration. Despite a challenging April and a near miss against Coventry in the FA Cup semi-final, United’s performance in the final and securing European qualification proved pivotal.

Ten Hag is now one of only four United managers to win trophies in successive seasons. The club appreciates his role in developing young talents like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, who will be representing Argentina and England, respectively, at the Copa America and Euro 2024 this summer.

With plans to install Dan Ashworth as sporting director, Jason Wilcox as football director, and Omar Berrada as chief executive, United believes Ten Hag will thrive under the new sporting structure.