Manchester United's Verdict: Erik Ten Hag to Lead Club Forward

Manchester United’s board has decided that Erik Ten Hag will continue as the manager following a post-season review. They are currently discussing extending his contract which is entering its final year. United initiated the review immediately after the FA Cup final. Despite reports, Manchester United’s 2-1 Wembley win led the club hierarchy to adopt a positive approach towards Ten Hag. They have had constructive conversations about the review’s outcome, clearly preferring the 54-year-old Dutchman to remain in charge. Though Ten Hag was frustrated, United felt two weeks was reasonable for a thorough assessment under new ownership.

Thomas Tuchel contacted new United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe last week but ruled himself out, and the club cooled its interest in Mauricio Pochettino after his departure from Chelsea. They linked other names to the job including Graham Potter, Thomas Frank, Roberto de Zerbi and England boss Gareth Southgate. However, they never approached Brentford about Frank and Southgate’s commitments with England made his appointment impossible. Ten Hag, who vacationed in Ibiza with his family, assumed management at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022. He became the club’s fifth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.

He previously had a successful tenure at Ajax, where he won three Eredivisie titles and two Dutch Cups. In his debut season with United, he led the team to third place in the Premier League and the finals of the EFL Cup and FA Cup. They won the EFL Cup in February 2023 but lost to Manchester City in the FA Cup final. The 2023-24 season posed challenges, including an early Champions League exit and six defeats in the first 10 games. Despite winning the FA Cup, United’s form dipped, winning only five of their final 12 matches in all competitions. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group acquired a 27.7% stake in the club in December and new director Sir David Brailsford conducted a review of football operations.

Ratcliffe had suggested retaining Ten Hag back in January, citing the club’s environment as not conducive to managerial success. With Ten Hag’s position confirmed, United can now focus on building after a difficult campaign and exploring the transfer market. Ten Hag received backing last summer with the signings of Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund. He handled off-field issues like Greenwood’s loan, Antony’s leave amidst allegations, and Sancho’s exclusion after a disagreement. In the early weeks of co-ownership, Ineos concluded that inadequate structures at the club made a proper assessment of Ten Hag’s work impossible.

Despite April’s poor form, United nearly lost a three-goal lead in the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry but secured European qualification in the final. The club’s hierarchy admires Ten Hag for his dedication, dignity and professionalism, as well as his role in developing youngsters like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. They foresee Ten Hag thriving with Dan Ashworth, Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada in new roles.