Manchester United has confirmed that Erik Ten Hag will remain as their manager following a post-season review by the board. Ten Hag’s contract, which was about to enter its final season, is now being discussed for extension. United underwent their review after the FA Cup final, with many reports suggesting that Ten Hag was on the verge of being sacked. However, United’s 2-1 victory over Manchester City allowed the club hierarchy to take a more positive approach to the review. What ensued were “constructive conversations” with Ten Hag and a clear preference for him to stay in charge.
There were several contenders for the role if Ten Hag was to depart. Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino were initially considered, but Tuchel spoke to new United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe last week and ruled himself out. Meanwhile, United’s interest in Pochettino cooled despite his availability after his exit from Chelsea. Other contenders for the job include Graham Potter, Thomas Frank, Roberto de Zerbi, and current England boss Gareth Southgate – however, Brentford was never contacted regarding Frank, and Southgate couldn’t be appointed due to his commitments with England.
Ten Hag has been on holiday with his family in Ibiza, but upon his return, he will lead a United team that finished eighth in the previous season, their lowest position in the Premier League era. Dutchman Ten Hag took charge of United in 2022 and is their fifth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, following David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group acquired a 27.7% stake in the club in December, and new director Sir David Brailsford has conducted a review of football operations at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe himself had earlier hinted at retaining Ten Hag in January, saying that the “environment” at the club was not conducive to managers’ success. Confirmation of Ten Hag’s stay means United can now focus on building again after a difficult campaign and explore the transfer market.
Despite Ten Hag’s successes, which include the EFL Cup and FA Cup finals, a successful debut season and signings such as Andre Onana, Mason Mount, and Rasmus Hojlund, he had to deal with numerous off-field issues during his tenure. Mason Greenwood joined Getafe on loan after an internal investigation, while winger Antony was given leave after allegations against him from a former girlfriend. Jadon Sancho was even dropped from the squad after refusing to apologise to Ten Hag, claiming that he had been made a “scapegoat.”
Nevertheless, Ten Hag’s retention has been met with delight from the Dutchman himself, who is now expected to take charge of United this new season
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