Erik Ten Hag will continue as Manchester United manager after a post-season review by the club's board. Discussions are underway to extend Ten Hag's contract, currently entering its final season.
United conducted their review immediately after the FA Cup final, a match in which Ten Hag's future seemed uncertain. Despite reports suggesting he would be dismissed regardless of the outcome, United's 2-1 victory over Manchester City shifted the board’s perspective positively.
Constructive conversations between Ten Hag and the club have followed the review. The board considered various outcomes but showed a clear preference for the 54-year-old Dutchman to remain in charge. Ten Hag, though reportedly frustrated by the delay, expressed his satisfaction with the decision reached on Tuesday.
The review process, taking two weeks, was deemed reasonable by United, considering it was the first season under new ownership. The club considered other candidates, including Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter, Thomas Frank, Roberto de Zerbi, and England manager Gareth Southgate. However, no formal approaches were made for Frank, and Southgate’s commitments with England ruled him out for the summer.
Ten Hag, who has been on holiday in Ibiza, saw United finish eighth in the Premier League last season, their lowest in the era. The season was marred by 45 recorded injuries, which Ten Hag frequently cited as a reason for the team’s subpar performances.
Since joining Old Trafford in summer 2022, Ten Hag is the fifth permanent manager post-Sir Alex Ferguson, following David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. His tenure began positively, with a third-place Premier League finish and appearances in both the EFL Cup and FA Cup finals in his debut season. United won the EFL Cup in February 2023, defeating Newcastle, but lost the FA Cup final to Manchester City three months later.
The 2023-24 season proved challenging, with an early Champions League exit after finishing last in their group. United also struggled domestically, with six defeats in their first 10 games and only five wins in their final 12 matches across competitions, despite the FA Cup final triumph.
United's co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, whose Ineos group acquired a 27.7% stake in the club in December, had hinted at retaining Ten Hag. He cited an environment not conducive to managerial success over the past 11 years, implying systemic issues within the club. Ratcliffe’s comments in January supported Ten Hag’s continuation, pending a thorough review.
With Ten Hag confirmed to stay, United can now focus on rebuilding and exploring transfer market opportunities. Last summer, Ten Hag was backed with signings like Andre Onana, Mason Mount, and Rasmus Hojlund. During his tenure, he managed off-field issues, including Mason Greenwood's loan to Getafe, Antony’s leave following allegations, and Jadon Sancho’s exclusion from the squad due to disciplinary issues.
In their early days of co-ownership, Ineos determined that a proper evaluation of Ten Hag’s performance was hindered by inadequate club structures. United’s poor form in April almost cost Ten Hag his job, but a crucial penalty shootout victory over Coventry in the FA Cup semi-final and a strong performance against City secured his position.
Ten Hag’s role in developing young talents like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, who will be on international duty this summer, has been recognized. The club believes Ten Hag will thrive in a restructured sporting environment, with potential appointments including Dan Ashworth as sporting director, Jason Wilcox as football director, and Omar Berrada as chief executive.
