Ten Hag to stay at Man Utd

Erik ten Hag will stay on as Manchester United manager.

United and Ten Hag are said to be aligned after the club’s end-of-season review, a process which lasted longer than two weeks and saw other managers sounded out for the role.

However, the conclusion from the review was that Ten Hag should remain in charge, and negotiations have begun over a contract extension for the Dutchman.

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Ten Hag’s current contract ends at the end of next season, with the club having the option of extending it by a further 12 months.

United finished a disappointing eighth, their worst finish in the Premier League era, but beat rivals Manchester City to lift the FA Cup – Ten Hag’s second trophy in as many years.

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What Ten Hag said on future after FA Cup final win…

Speaking in May, Ten Hag said:

“The team is progressing, and we are winning trophies. Two trophies in two years is not bad. Three finals is not bad, but we have to keep going. I’m not satisfied with it.

“We have to do better and if they don’t want me anymore, then I’ll go anywhere else to win trophies because that is what I have done my whole career.”

Ten Hag had to contend with an injury-ravaged squad throughout the season but managed to salvage Europa League qualification with the victory over City at Wembley.

The review concluded that Ten Hag deserves a chance to show what more he is capable of within the new sporting structure implemented following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS taking charge of football operations.

Which managers were sounded out by Man Utd?

Image:
Gareth Southgate did not want to engage in conversations that were not about the England job

Mauricio Pochettino, Thomas Tuchel, Thomas Frank, Kieran McKenna and Gareth Southgate were all linked with taking over at Old Trafford but the club have now committed to Ten Hag.

Tuchel, Southgate and McKenna were sounded out during the review, which is said to have been more thorough than usual because of the new ownership structure. The process is expected to be similar in future.

What happened to managers sounded out…

Southgate had no interest in engaging in any conversation that was not about his job as England manager
McKenna ended up signing a new deal with Ipswich
Tuchel’s camp claim he wants to take a break from football, while INEOS insist they decided against hiring the German

Ratcliffe’s INEOS has taken control of the club’s footballing operations since becoming a minority shareholder in February and has overseen major staff changes.

Jason Wilcox has begun work as technical director, while Omar Berrada will start as the new chief executive this summer.

Why did Man Utd decide to stick with Ten Hag?

Image:
Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho scored against Man City at Wembley

United’s review recognised the significant achievement of winning two trophies in two seasons – particularly the quality of the FA Cup win against City.

Ten Hag’s dedication is said to be admired by decision-makers at United, as well as the dignity and professionalism with which he has conducted himself.

The emergence of academy products Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo under Ten Hag and his work developing them were among the other factors considered by United.

The review also took into account mitigating factors – not least the injuries Ten Hag’s players have suffered and the number of problems concentrated in key positions.

United also believe new signings, notably Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana, need time to bed in, while Mason Mount spent most of last season sidelined through injury.

‘Man Utd spoke to other managers – but Ten Hag could now receive new deal’

Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth:

“Remember, he did maintain through all of his talks with Sir Jim Ratcliffe that he believed he would be the man to lead Manchester United forward, that he was under contract until next summer at least and he had no reason to believe he wasn’t going to be the manager.

“Manchester United have been conducting their post-season review after that FA Cup final victory over Manchester City.

“After that review of the last season and first-team operations, the club and Erik ten Hag held constructive discussions about what happened over the past season and what could happen in the future.

“Manchester United considered all eventualities. They did speak to other managers and representatives of other managers – Thomas Tuchel, Kieran McKenna and Mauricio Pochettino. But the conclusion after that review and all of those talks was that Ten Hag would remain as manager.

“The club and Ten Hag are believed to be aligned and have now entered negotiations over a contract extension. This is really significant. He’s got one year left on his contract.”